By Wilson Macaulay.
Hon. Francis Obule (JP), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Political Matters, has mobilized his teeming supporters in Okuovu Ward 11, Sapele Rural, in a powerful show of solidarity for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, a well-attended sensitization program held at Okuovu 1, served as a prelude to the grand political declaration scheduled for July 31st, 2025, when Francis Obule and his supporters will be formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Obule stated:
“The PDP is a ship that has already sunk. I have called you all today my teaming supporters to prepare your minds for our exodus into the APC, where we will align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the MORE Agenda of our dynamic Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. We cannot afford to be left behind while the rest of the nation moves forward.”
He further emphasized the need to empower grassroots communities in line with the state’s development blueprint.
“As part of my commitment to complement the empowerment drive under the MORE Agenda, I facilitated the mobilization of WEMA Bank officials to Okuovu 1 today to assist residents in opening bank accounts and accessing POS agency services,” he explained.
Hon. Francis Obule noted that many rural residents were previously excluded from government and financial empowerment programs due to lack of bank accounts, BVN, and NIN. This initiative, he said, is aimed at correcting this imbalance and integrating my community into mainstream economic opportunities.
Hon. Francis Obule acknowledged the concerns of the women and reaffirmed his commitment to championing initiatives that will empower both women and youths.
Hon. Obule further assured nearby villages that have shown interest in the bank outreach program that WEMA services will be extended to them in phases. He emphasized that no community under his watch will be left behind.
The immediate past PDP Youth Leader of the Ward now APC , Richard Okoro in his speech assured Hon Francis Obule that they have concurred to follow his instructions to go enmass to APC come 31st July 2025.
Richard Okoro humbly requested that Hon Francis Obule should make it his priority to ensure that His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should tare the Okuodede Road, linking Okogborode,
Okuovu 1 linking Okogborode and Okuovu 1 township Road which was done half Way by Seplat .
He also requested for the upgrade of their secondary school .
Richard Okoro lamented that they have not received government presence in the Ward.
We, the youth of Okuovu, stand firmly with Hon. Francis Obule. His decision to join the APC is wise and timely. We are tired of empty promises. This move brings us closer to real empowerment and inclusion. We believe in the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda, and we are ready to walk with him into this new political chapter and journey.
“Our youths are hardworking and willing, but the opportunities are not there. We need a government that hears our voices and brings development to our doorsteps , Okoro said.
In response, Hon. Francis Obule assured the youths that their demands have been noted and will be communicated to the appropriate quarters. He promised to personally follow up on the school upgrade request, and also pledged to attract more projects and programs to Okuovu especially the roads mentioned by Richard Okoro.
Mrs. Mercy Ochuko, the Women Leader, also spoke passionately about the challenges faced by women in the community.
” We thanked Hon Francis Obule for empowering our women with access to bank accounts and POS services. This will go a long way in helping our small businesses grow. We are solidly behind him and ready to move with him to APC for the betterment of our families and community,” she said
The women leader emphasized the readiness of the women to support the transition saying:“Wherever Hon. Francis Obule goes, we will follow. We are prepared to move into the APC with him and support both Governor Sheriff and President Tinubu because we have seen that this is where our hope lies.”
Our women have suffered from neglect and exclusion for far too long. Today marks a turning point. We are grateful to Hon. Obule for bringing financial services to our doorstep. This is not just politics; this is leadership that touches lives.” Mercy Ochuko noted
As the program concluded, excitement filled the air and residents pledged their loyalty to the Renewed Hope and MORE Agendas, eagerly anticipating the July 31st declaration that would mark a new chapter in their political journey.
The slogan of the APC was introduced to them, which is APC Renewed hope for more agenda, renewed hope for more agenda APC.
Immediately , Loud echoes of Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda that took over the air in solidarity for exodus to APC.
