Politics and Empowerment: Oborevwori’s Grassroots Campaign Receives Major Lift as Smart Movement Debuts in Delta
By Political Affairs Desk
Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s political machinery received a significant grassroots boost on Wednesday as the Smart Movement for Sheriff (SMS) 2027 was formally unveiled in Ogwashi-Uku, combining political mobilisation with a far-reaching empowerment programme that party leaders say reflects the administration’s people-centred approach to governance.
The movement, founded by the Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, brought together senior government officials, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, party faithful and community leaders from across Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Beyond the political symbolism of the inauguration, the event focused heavily on economic empowerment, with 12 grinding machines, 11 sewing machines and cash grants worth ₦1.65 million presented to beneficiaries in a bid to encourage entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods.
Representing Governor Oborevwori, Chief Moses Iduh, APC Chairman for Delta North Senatorial District, described the initiative as an example of leadership translating political promises into practical benefits.
He said meaningful governance is measured not only by infrastructure projects but also by interventions that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Politics should deliver hope and opportunities. There are people whose lives can change through modest support. Empowering citizens strengthens families, communities and ultimately strengthens democracy itself,” Iduh told supporters.
He praised Hon. Ufoh for complementing Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda through grassroots engagement and urged public office holders to embrace people-focused initiatives capable of creating lasting economic impact.
Chief Iduh also appealed to APC members across Aniocha South to close ranks following internal contests, stressing that unity would be critical to the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.
“The primaries are behind us. The responsibility before us now is to work together. Every APC candidate must become our collective project,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh said the Smart Movement was established to deepen public support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration by taking the achievements of the MORE Agenda directly to communities across Aniocha South.
He argued that the governor’s investments in roads, education, healthcare, rural development and youth empowerment had created a strong foundation for continued progress.
Speaking on his ministry’s mandate, Ufoh highlighted ongoing reforms in technical education, describing them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to preparing young people for future employment and entrepreneurship.
“As Commissioner for Technical Education, I have witnessed the governor’s commitment to skills development. Technical colleges are being upgraded, new equipment is being installed and policies are being implemented to equip young people with practical skills for today’s economy,” he said.
He explained that the empowerment programme reflected the philosophy that political leadership should create opportunities for citizens to achieve economic independence rather than rely solely on government assistance.
Setting the political tone for the months ahead, Ufoh charged members of the Smart Movement to intensify mobilisation across every ward and community.
“Our objective is Five-over-Five. We are working towards victory for the APC at every level—from the Presidency to the Governorship, the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly. That journey begins with grassroots mobilisation,” he declared.
The event also featured endorsements from other leading figures within the APC.
The party’s House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, commended Ufoh for creating what he described as a practical platform that combines political organisation with community development.
Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, said the initiative demonstrated that effective political mobilisation is strengthened when accompanied by programmes that improve people’s daily lives.
For many of those who benefited, the programme carried immediate economic significance.
Among them was Pastor Mrs. Justina Agwueze, Coordinator of the Smart Movement in Ward 3, who received a grinding machine.
Describing the gesture as life-changing, she said the equipment would support her family’s income while enabling her to provide free grinding services to elderly women in her community.
She also pledged continued support for Governor Oborevwori and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As the event drew to a close, speakers repeatedly emphasised party unity, sustained grassroots engagement and community empowerment as central pillars of the APC’s political strategy in Delta State.
With political activity gradually intensifying ahead of 2027, the launch of the Smart Movement for Sheriff signals an early attempt to blend political organisation with social investment—a strategy party leaders hope will translate into stronger grassroots support when voters eventually head to the polls.
