Okowa-Daramola, Emetulu, Dan Ossai, Nzete, Princewill, Others Hail Ochonogor’s Initiative
KWALE, DELTA STATE — Kwale, the headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, was agog on Friday as a massive gathering of women, youths, political leaders and party faithful converged for the inauguration of the Girl Child Ambassadors, a new political and empowerment movement aimed at promoting the development, inclusion and advancement of women and girls.
The initiative, convened by the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus M. Ochonogor, was described as a bold and strategic platform designed to uplift and empower the girl child while strengthening grassroots participation in leadership, governance and politics.
The colourful inauguration attracted prominent APC leaders, government officials and stakeholders, who commended Ochonogor for the initiative and pledged their support for women’s inclusion, empowerment and the mobilisation of massive support for all APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his keynote address, the founder and convener of the Girl Child Ambassadors, Chief Festus M. Ochonogor, announced that a major empowerment package for the girl child would soon be rolled out across Delta State.
Ochonogor commended the Delta State Government for creating opportunities for women to participate actively in governance and leadership, noting that the administration has demonstrated deliberate commitment to women inclusion.
According to him, the emergence of women as Vice Chairmen across the 25 local government areas of the state, as well as the emergence of a female Legislative Leader in Ndokwa West, reflects the growing recognition and participation of women in governance.
“The state government has been friendly to our girl child. This is why we are taking advantage of that opportunity by ensuring that our young women occupy positions at the grassroots. All the 25 local government Vice Chairmen are women, and it is only in Ndokwa West that we have a female Legislative Leader,” Ochonogor stated.
He said the Girl Child Ambassadors were fully committed to the policies of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, while also expressing support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Girl Child Ambassadors are committed to the policies of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, while the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are reshaping our nation. In our various units and wards, we need to work together and ensure massive support for the APC. We must all support all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Ochonogor further assured members that the group would continue to encourage, support and develop young women, announcing that an empowerment programme would soon be unveiled for the benefit of the girl child.
“The Girl Child Ambassadors are fully behind the APC. We will ensure that we vote for all APC candidates. We will do our best to encourage the girl child, and we have empowerment coming soon for the girl child,” he added.
The President of the Girl Child Ambassadors, Comr. Nkem Vivian Omede, described the initiative as more than a programme, saying it represents a strong political and social foundation dedicated to uplifting women and girls.
“This initiative is not merely a programme; it is a powerful political foundation dedicated to uplifting and empowering our women and girls. Together, we are forging a united front committed to creating a brighter future for all,” she said.
Omede noted that coordinators, executives and members of the organisation had been drawn from different wards and polling units across Ndokwa West, united by a shared vision of promoting girl child development across the local government area and Delta State in general.
She expressed profound appreciation to Chief Ochonogor for his vision, support and commitment to the movement, describing him as a “capacity father” and the “political Iroko of our time.”
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our convener, Chief Festus M. Ochonogor. Your love and belief in our mission continue to fuel our passion. Inspired by the support from our leaders and the state, we are highly committed to APC 5/5 in the forthcoming 2027 general elections,” she stated.
She added that the group would continue to champion the cause of women and girls while ensuring that their voices are heard and their dreams realised.
The Member representing Ika North East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, commended Chief Festus Ochonogor for his commitment to promoting women and supporting the girl child.
She also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what she described as his deliberate commitment to women inclusion and empowerment.
“I must appreciate the founder, Chief Festus Ochonogor, for not being intimidated by women. The Delta State Government is intentional about women. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has promised to empower more women and has graciously given women more opportunities and positions,” she said.
Okowa-Daramola urged members of the Girl Child Ambassadors to remain united and supportive of one another, stressing that the welfare and empowerment of women should not be limited to election periods.
“To all the Girl Child Ambassadors, be your sister’s keeper. Continue supporting all APC candidates. This should not end with elections because the girl child must continue to be remembered after elections. Women deserve greater opportunities and more positions,” she said.
The Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Oby Nzete, emphasised the critical role women play in politics, electioneering and community development.
“Whatever a man can do, a woman can do better. In campaigns and elections, women constitute the majority. Therefore, they deserve maximum support from all of us. We will continue to support them in all ramifications,” Nzete stated.
The Delta North APC Chairman, Engr. Chief Dan Ossai, described the formation of the Girl Child Ambassadors as a significant contribution to the growth and strengthening of the APC at the grassroots.
“Chief Festus Ochonogor has done well with the formation of the Girl Child Ambassadors. He is making the work easier for the APC, and other leaders should emulate this noble leadership,” he said.
Ossai commended members of the group for openly declaring their support for the APC, assuring them that every contribution towards the growth and success of the party would be recognised.
The Member representing Ndokwa West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, who served as Chairman of the occasion and formally inaugurated the group, paid glowing tribute to Chief Ochonogor, describing him as a builder of people who has played a significant role in the growth and development of many political leaders.
“I won’t be where I am today without Chief Festus Ochonogor. He laid the foundation of the Emetulu you all know today. He is a builder of people,” Emetulu said.
He maintained that the APC is deliberate about empowering women and encouraged members of the Girl Child Ambassadors to see the platform as an opportunity to prepare themselves for greater responsibilities and leadership positions.
“APC is deliberate about empowering women. If you cannot respect women, you cannot grow. The Girl Child Ambassadors is part of your process towards occupying bigger positions,” he stated.
Emetulu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their leadership, particularly noting the governor’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises.
“It is on this note that I hereby inaugurate the Girl Child Ambassadors to the glory of God,” he declared.
The Ndokwa West House of Assembly APC candidate, Chief Princewill Ollie, expressed delight at being associated with the initiative, describing Ochonogor’s vision as a practical approach to sustainable empowerment.
“I am happy to associate myself with the vision of Chief Festus Ochonogor. He is developing the girl child before empowering the girl child. This is how it should be done,” he said.
The event ended with a unanimous resolution by members of the Girl Child Ambassadors to intensify grassroots mobilisation across polling units and wards in support of the All Progressives Congress and its candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
Members also reaffirmed their commitment to championing programmes and initiatives that promote the education, development, political participation and economic empowerment of women and girls across Ndokwa West and Delta State at large.
With the inauguration of the Girl Child Ambassadors and the announcement of a forthcoming empowerment programme, stakeholders described the initiative as a significant step towards creating greater opportunities for the girl child, strengthening women’s participation in leadership and deepening grassroots political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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