By Peter Legacy
NOL24 Media Cathedral | Politics Desk
Held at Anishi Primary School, Ogwashi-Uku, the colourful ceremony drew a large gathering of political leaders, government officials, traditional stakeholders, APC faithful, youth groups, women organizations, and supporters from across Delta State, reflecting the increasing momentum behind the movement.
Convened by the Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, the inauguration marked the formal birth of the Smart Movement for Sheriff (SMS), a political support platform established to consolidate grassroots backing for the re-election of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.
More Than a Political Launch
Far from being an ordinary political gathering, the event evolved into a demonstration of practical leadership as the movement unveiled an empowerment initiative targeting vulnerable and enterprising residents across the eleven wards of Aniocha South.
In one of the day’s most celebrated highlights, 23 beneficiaries received empowerment packages including mechanized sewing machines, modern grinding machines, and cash grants designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, encourage self-employment, and improve household incomes.
The initiative was widely applauded by attendees as a practical investment in human capital, with many describing it as evidence that sustainable political leadership should be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Observers noted that the empowerment programme aligns with the broader development philosophy being promoted under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, both of which emphasize economic inclusion, skills development, and grassroots prosperity.
A Gathering of Political Heavy Weights
The inauguration attracted an impressive lineup of political figures, underscoring both the significance of the movement and the strategic importance of Aniocha South in Delta’s evolving political calculations.
The event was chaired by Architect Kester Ifeadi, while the Special Guest of Honour was Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, whose presence added considerable political weight to the occasion.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were:
Hon. Chief Isaac Ozo Anwuzia, PhD, Member representing Aniocha South State Constituency
Elder Moses Iduh
Hon. Austin Chikezie
Hon. Lawrence Ejiofor
Dr Tony Nwaka (IDE)
Hon. Chief Edwin Uzor
Hon. Ejiro Jamani
Hon. Joe Adigwe
Hon Ojeogwu
Chief Nath Igbadi
Chief Paul Adengupu
Prince Mike Okwufulueze
Sir Peter Okwe
Hon. Godknows Angele
Also present were party executives, ward leaders, women and youth coordinators, political associates, and hundreds of supporters from across the eleven wards of Aniocha South and beyond.
A Message of Service and Grassroots Development
Speaking during the inauguration, Convener Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh emphasized that the Smart Movement for Sheriff is founded on service, unity, grassroots engagement, and sustainable development.
He stressed that the movement is not merely a political structure but a platform committed to expanding opportunities for ordinary citizens through empowerment, community participation, and inclusive leadership.
According to him, genuine leadership goes beyond campaign rhetoric and must be reflected in practical interventions that improve livelihoods, encourage enterprise, and restore hope among the people.
He reiterated the movement’s unwavering support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, urging members to remain united and committed to delivering electoral victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all elective positions in the forthcoming elections.
Mobilising for APC 5/5
Beyond the empowerment programme, the launch served as a strategic political mobilisation platform as party leaders called for intensified grassroots engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the “APC 5/5” agenda, encouraging members to strengthen party structures across polling units and wards while sustaining voter mobilisation efforts throughout Aniocha South.
Political observers say the inauguration represents one of the most coordinated grassroots political outings in the area in recent times, blending social intervention with political organization in a manner designed to deepen public engagement.
Looking Ahead
As music, cultural displays, and celebrations marked the close of the event, the official inauguration of the Smart Movement for Sheriff (SMS) 2027 left little doubt that the movement intends to play a significant role in Delta State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
With its combination of empowerment, community engagement, and political mobilisation, the launch projected a message that resonated beyond partisan politics—that leadership is most impactful when it creates opportunities, empowers citizens, and inspires collective participation in governance.
For many attendees, the birth of the Smart Movement for Sheriff was not simply the unveiling of another political support group. It was presented as the beginning of a grassroots movement seeking to translate political support into measurable improvements in the lives of the people while strengthening the APC’s campaign for a comprehensive “5/5” electoral victory across Delta State.
— Peter Legacy
NOL24 Media Cathedral | Politics Desk