By UCHE OGBODO

Ochonogor Launches Girl-Child Ambassadors in Ndokwa West, Promises Skills Empowerment

THE Girl-Child Ambassadors have inaugurated their Ndokwa West chapter in Delta State, with the organisation’s convener, Chief Festus Ochonogor, calling on young women to pursue education, acquire skills and take active roles in governance and community development.

The inauguration took place on 11 September 2026, in Ndokwa West Local Government Area and attracted political leaders, community stakeholders and hundreds of female youths between the ages of 18 and 40.

The initiative combines a stated focus on female empowerment with grassroots political participation. Other reports on the event identified the Girl-Child Ambassadors as an All Progressives Congress (APC) support group and said members pledged continued support for the party.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Women

Ochonogor said his youth empowerment initiatives since 1999 had largely focused on male youths.

According to him, the decision to establish a structured platform for young women was taken about seven months ago as part of an effort to broaden participation and create specific development opportunities for females.

“We need to encourage them to go to school and empower those with skills,” he said.

He also announced plans to launch comprehensive skills-acquisition programmes before the end of the year.

Ochonogor said the programmes would provide young women with opportunities to develop practical skills and improve their capacity to participate in economic and community activities.

Education, Skills & Governance

Beyond economic empowerment, the convener urged the young women to become more active in governance.

He linked education and skills development with leadership preparation, arguing that young women should be equipped to take advantage of emerging opportunities in public affairs and community development.

The emphasis on participation reflects a broader push by the organisers to create a grassroots platform through which young women can engage with leadership issues.

Political Participation

The inauguration also had a clear political dimension.

The member representing Ndokwa West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, formally inaugurated the chapter and described Ochonogor as a “builder of men.”

He urged members to demonstrate commitment to the objectives of the organisation and to remain focused on its stated mandate.

Other reports of the event said Emetulu encouraged women to take active roles in politics and community development and described the Girl-Child Ambassadors as an APC support group.

The Ndokwa West coordinator, Ms. Nkem Omede, also expressed appreciation to Ochonogor and pledged the group’s alignment with the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

That political commitment places the organisation’s empowerment activities within the wider context of grassroots political mobilisation.

Calls for Unity Among Women

The member representing Ika North East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Medelin Okowa-Daramola, urged the female youths to support one another rather than allow divisions to weaken their collective interests.

She stressed the importance of active civic participation and encouraged the women to position themselves for emerging leadership opportunities.

The message was reinforced by other speakers who called for greater involvement of young women in political and community affairs.

Local Government Support

The Ndokwa West Council Chairman, Chief Godday Obi Nzete, commended the resilience of the group and pledged local government support for its members.

He said the council would provide empowerment assistance before the end of the year.

The proposed support would add a local-government component to the broader skills and development agenda announced by the organisation.

Wider Political & Community Presence

The inauguration attracted several political and community figures, including Delta North APC Chairman, Chief Dan Ossai; Ndokwa West APC Chairman, Chief Anslem Nzete, also known as Igwe Dubai; Ndokwa East House of Assembly member, Hon. Prince Osamuta; and Mrs. Juan Governor of the Ndokwa Neku Union.

Leaders of various women’s organisations across Delta State also attended.

The event therefore brought together elements of youth development, women’s participation, community organisation and party politics.

For the organisers, the immediate challenge will be to translate the promises of education, skills acquisition and empowerment into programmes that deliver measurable opportunities for the young women enrolled in the initiative.