In the spirit of the yuletide season, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Education Monitoring, brought joy and cheer to his hometown of Aradhe and surrounding communities in Isoko North Local Government Area with a vibrant Christmas party. The event, which drew hundreds of attendees, featured the generous distribution of essential food items and cash gifts to more than 1,000 beneficiaries, underscoring a tradition of sharing and community support.
Held in the heart of Aradhe, the celebration was a colorful gathering that united political supporters, family members, and residents from across the 13 wards of Isoko North. Beneficiaries received 10kg bags of rice and varying amounts of cash, providing much-needed relief during the festive period. In a special gesture of appreciation, Comrade Umuakpo donated 150 high-quality wrappers to members of the Ovie Ladies Forum (OLF), his dedicated female support group, recognizing their unwavering loyalty and contributions to his political journey.
The event attracted a diverse array of political stakeholders and community leaders, reflecting the broad appeal of Umuakpo's grassroots outreach. Present were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committees from both ward and local government levels, representatives of the Oghenewegba Political Movement (OPM), the Isoko Patriots, and numerous beneficiaries particularly from Ellu, Aradhe, and Ovrode wards. The atmosphere was festive, enlivened by cultural displays, goodwill messages, and expressions of solidarity.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Comrade Umuakpo began with heartfelt gratitude to God for His abundant grace and blessings throughout the year. He described the Christmas season as a sacred time for sharing love, fostering unity, and reflecting on communal bonds. Emphasizing the importance of giving back, he noted that such gestures were not merely acts of charity but symbols of togetherness in challenging times.
A significant portion of his remarks was dedicated to praising Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for his inclusive leadership style. Umuakpo expressed profound appreciation for the governor's decision to retain him in office amid recent political realignments in the state, viewing it as a testament to Oborevwori's commitment to merit, loyalty, and balanced representation. He highlighted the governor's "giant strides" in infrastructural development, human capital empowerment, and responsive governance across Delta State's three senatorial districts.
Umuakpo urged his supporters and the wider Isoko North community to continue extending robust support to the Oborevwori administration. He argued that sustained backing would enable the governor to deliver even more dividends of democracy, including enhanced roads, educational facilities, healthcare services, and economic opportunities that directly benefit grassroots populations.
In a display of political camaraderie, the Executive Assistant paid glowing tribute to his close ally, Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazomaro, the Chief Security Officer of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Describing Uzuazomaro as a steadfast friend and reliable partner, Umuakpo rallied attendees to throw their weight behind his aspiration to contest for the Isoko North seat in the Delta State House of Assembly come 2027. This endorsement highlighted the strategic alliances shaping local politics in the region.
The event was graced by several dignitaries who added prestige and warmth to the occasion. Notable among them were Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazomaro; Sir Blessing Obomovo, a prominent aspirant eyeing the Isoko North and South Federal Constituency seat; Chief Edward Efekpokpo, the President General of Aradhe Community; and a host of other influential personalities from Isoko North's political and traditional spheres.
Goodwill messages flowed abundantly, with speakers commending Comrade Umuakpo for his consistent empowerment initiatives and dedication to community welfare. Cultural troupes entertained guests with traditional Isoko dances and music, reinforcing the rich heritage of the area while promoting harmony among diverse groups.
The Yuletide party also served as a platform for renewed calls for unity within Isoko North. Speakers emphasized the need for collective effort in supporting progressive leadership that prioritizes development over partisan divisions. In a region known for its oil-producing communities and agricultural potential, such events foster social cohesion and encourage active participation in governance.
Comrade Ovie Umuakpo's initiative aligns with broader trends in Delta State politics, where leaders increasingly focus on direct community engagement and tangible support programs. As Executive Assistant on Education Monitoring, Umuakpo has been instrumental in overseeing improvements in school infrastructure and pupil enrollment across the state, earning him respect among educators and parents.
The distribution of rice, cash, and wrappers provided immediate relief to families during the festive season, when expenses often rise. For many beneficiaries, particularly widows, youths, and elderly residents, these gifts represented more than material aid—they symbolized recognition and inclusion in the political family's extended network.
As the event concluded amid cheers and expressions of gratitude, participants departed with a sense of renewed hope for 2026. The gathering reinforced the importance of grassroots mobilization in advancing local development agendas, while highlighting the role of figures like Umuakpo in bridging government and the people.
This Christmas celebration in Aradhe stands as a shining example of how political leaders can leverage festive occasions to strengthen community ties, promote loyalty, and advocate for continued progress under the Oborevwori administration. With calls for unity echoing through Isoko North, the event has set a positive tone for the new year, inspiring residents to contribute actively toward a more prosperous and harmonious future for their local government area and Delta State as a whole.
