By Oritsejafor Kenneth,
The Executive Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Efele Eyewuoma Nicholas, has empowered 100 members of his political constituency drawn from the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko ethnic groups that make up the Delta South Senatorial District, with financial support of ₦50,000 each.
The empowerment programme, themed “Empowering Our People for More Followership,” held on March 14, 2026, at the residence of former DESOPADEC Chairman, Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, in Koko. The event attracted party faithful and grassroots political leaders from several wards across the three ethnic nationalities within the senatorial district.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Efele said the initiative was designed to strengthen party followership by supporting loyal grassroots members who form the backbone of political structures. According to him, followership remains a vital project that requires deliberate attention, stressing that empowering party members would encourage their continued commitment and loyalty.
He advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and called on well-to-do party members to emulate the gesture by supporting less privileged members within the party. He also urged party faithful to remain steadfast in their support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Nigeria, and Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Hon. Michael Diden described the programme as an appreciation initiative, noting that Pastor Efele recognises the role political leaders played in his nomination into public office and has chosen to express gratitude by empowering party members.
Diden commended the initiative as thoughtful and impactful, while using the opportunity to formally declare his intention to contest for the Delta South Senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections.
Chairman of the occasion and former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Warri North Local Government Area, Omatseye Akatakpo, praised Pastor Efele for initiating what he described as a laudable programme aimed at uplifting grassroots party members. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the financial support to improve their livelihoods.
Other party leaders who spoke at the gathering also commended Pastor Efele’s selfless and compassionate gesture, describing the empowerment initiative as a commendable step toward strengthening party unity and grassroots support.
Among dignitaries present were the Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Festus Ani Ashima, alongside several prominent members of the All Progressives Congress and party faithful from across the Delta South Senatorial District.
