Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Tony Okocha, has declared that there is no way the All Progressives Congress (APC) could lose the 2015 governorship election in the state, advising those expecting a replay of what recently happened in Ekiti to perish the thought.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of an empowerment programme he organised for women in his Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Okocha said: “Let me assure you that the circumstances in Ekiti are different from that of Rivers State. Rivers State is for All Progressives Congress, APC. We must protect lives and property in Rivers State by providing basic security equipment for the security agents. Any government that is incapable of doing that will be voted out in the 2015 general elections.”

Congratulating the beneficiaries, an elated Chief Okocha said the large crowd of party members that turned out for the event underscored the readiness of Obio/Akpor people to embrace change. He urged them to work towards a landslide victory for APC during the 2015 general elections.

The Chief of Staff charged the women to use their newly acquired skills to create small businesses and employment opportunities for others. According to him, “Our literacy strength is about 5%, while 95% are only interested in what to eat. That is why we have decided to empower our people in diverse entrepreneurship skills including hat-making, bead-making, cake-making, etc, so that they can provide food for our people.”

Over 65 women in Obio/Akpor LGA benefitted from the empowerment programme which Okocha, who is the APC Leader in Obio/Akpor, said was part of his efforts to put smiles on the faces of the womenfolk in the state.

The empowerment programme included a two-week training for the women in various skills such as bead-making, sewing, catering, decoration and hair dressing.

At the graduation ceremony held at the council headquarters at Rumuodomanya, the beneficiaries, six from each of the 17 wards, including the APC non-indigenes group, were presented with certificates of participation and various equipment with which to set up business.

In addition, Chief Okocha on behalf of APC also presented vehicles to party supporters in the 17 wards of the local government area, as well as to the APC non-indigenes group, so as to facilitate their movements.

Speaking at the occasion, the National Deputy Secretary of APC and Chairman of ALGON in Rivers State, Hon. Orji Ngofa, described the empowerment by the APC in Obio/Akpor as a connection of governance to the people at the grassroots. “This,” he said, “is governance in action. Today, the APC in Obio/Akpor has shown that it has higher ideas to power in the area. Continue to support your party, APC. Don’t relent in the struggle; that is the only way truth can overcome those challenges.

“The only reason why PDP wants to take over power is to oppress us. You must not be intimated. Obio/Akpor is our collective wealth. Support APC in Obio/Akpor; it cares for the people and with a kind heart. I will take this message to the National Secretariat because APC is well represented in Obio/Akpor. The party will continue to empower you with skills. We are proud of what our leaders are doing in Obio/Akpor and we will eventually take this noble venture to all the 23 local government areas and we assure you, Rivers State will be better.”

Also speaking, the State APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, described Chief Okocha as epitome of humility and selfless service and commended him for making women and youths in Obio/Akpor become productive, adding that their votes must count in the 2015 general elections. The party chief urged the beneficiaries to spread the message that APC is the only party with the interest of Rivers people at heart and the only party that deserves the support of the people.

In his speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Council, Hon. Lawrence Chuku, assured that plans are underway to ensure that APC sweeps all the 17 wards in Obio/Akpor during next year’s elections. Hon. Chuku warned detractors to allow the Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

On his part, the Chairman of APC in Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. Solomon Ikeguru, urged party supporters and beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity, and to ensure that dividends of democracy impact positively on the people of the area.

Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the Elders Advisory Committee and appreciation of the first one thousand women that arrived the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat before the start of the event.

•Photo shows Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Tony Okocha (wearing APC face cap), and some dignitaries cutting the cake at the Obio/Akpor empowerment programme.

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