By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The political support base of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, received a fresh boost as the Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, inaugurated the Smart Movement for Sheriff 2027 in Aniocha South Local Government Area, combining the launch with a large-scale empowerment programme for party supporters and residents.
The event, held on Wednesday July 15, 2026, in Ogwashi-Uku, the administrative headquarters of Aniocha south local government area of the State, drew prominent political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, as well as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with beneficiaries receiving cash grants and vocational equipment aimed at promoting economic self-reliance.
Representing Governor Oborevwori, the APC Chairman in Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Moses Iduh, applauded Ufoh for complementing the governor’s development agenda through grassroots empowerment.
He described the distribution of 12 grinding machines, 11 sewing machines and cash support totalling N1.65 million as a practical demonstration of leadership that directly impacts the lives of ordinary people.
According to Iduh, politics should not end with winning elections but should translate into meaningful interventions that improve the welfare of the people.
He urged political office holders and appointees to emulate the initiative, stressing that even modest support could transform lives and deepen public confidence in leadership.
“There are people whose greatest need today is N50,000 or N100,000. Meeting such needs can change their lives completely. Every leader should empower the people in whatever way possible because it strengthens both the people and the party,” he said.
The APC Delta North chairman also appealed to party leaders and members in Aniocha South to close ranks and work in unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged members to put past political differences behind them and work collectively for the success of the APC, maintaining that the party’s candidates should now be seen as a common project deserving the support of every loyal member.
Iduh further described Governor Oborevwori as a people-oriented and youth-friendly leader whose administration would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy across Delta State.
In his address, Ufoh said the Smart Movement for Sheriff 2027 was established out of conviction in Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and the visible achievements of the MORE Agenda across the state.
He said the movement was designed to consolidate grassroots support for the governor by promoting his administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and rural development.
According to the commissioner, the Oborevwori administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preparing young people for the future through sustained investment in technical and vocational education.
“As Commissioner for Technical Education, I have witnessed firsthand the governor’s passion for skills development. Technical colleges are being upgraded, equipment is being provided and policies are being implemented to ensure our youths acquire practical skills that will make them globally competitive,” Ufoh said.
He noted that the empowerment programme reflected the movement’s belief that leadership must create opportunities for citizens to become economically independent.
Ufoh called on members of the movement to intensify grassroots mobilisation across all wards and communities in Aniocha South, urging residents to promote the achievements of Governor Oborevwori while working towards delivering victory for all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
“Our mission is clear. Our target is Five-over-Five. From the Presidency to the Governorship, the Senate, House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly, Aniocha South must stand united for the APC,” he declared.
Also speaking, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, commended Ufoh for initiating the Smart Movement and supporting Governor Oborevwori’s people-centred development agenda through grassroots mobilisation and empowerment.
Elumelu joined other dignitaries in presenting grinding machines, sewing machines and cash grants to beneficiaries, describing the initiative as a demonstration of responsive leadership that would strengthen public support for the APC.
The Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, also praised Ufoh for taking political mobilisation beyond rhetoric by directly empowering people at the grassroots.
Clark described the Smart Movement as a strategic platform that would strengthen the APC in Aniocha South and contribute significantly to the party’s objective of delivering victory for all its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
One of the beneficiaries and Ward 3 Coordinator of the Smart Movement, Pastor Mrs. Justina Agwueze, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as unprecedented.
Agwueze, who received a grinding machine, pledged to use the equipment to improve her livelihood and provide free grinding services to elderly women in her community as a way of extending the kindness shown to her.
She also pledged to mobilise support for Governor Oborevwori and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The inauguration ended with renewed calls for unity within the APC and a commitment by party leaders and supporters to deepen grassroots mobilisation in support of Governor Oborevwori and the party’s candidates across Delta State.
