The link between grassroots engagement and sustainable development has been brought to the fore with the appointment of Dr. Michael Nwoko, FRSPH, as South-South Zonal Coordinator for Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
The appointment, ahead of the 2027 general elections, places Nwoko at the centre of efforts to deepen community participation across Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
Dr. Nwoko, who also serves as South-South Coordinator for Contact and Mobilisation of the City Boy Movement and National Convener of Youth Structure for Asiwaju (YS4A), has in recent years focused on building youth-led structures for political participation in the Niger Delta region.
The South-South remains central to Nigeria’s green economy and energy transition conversation, given its environmental vulnerabilities and its economic importance. Analysts say effective mobilisation in the region must integrate livelihoods, climate resilience and youth employment.
Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Nwoko said his grassroots mandate would be aligned with broader sustainability goals.
“You cannot talk about Renewed Hope without talking about people, and you cannot talk about people in the South-South without talking about environment and livelihoods. My task is to ensure that our grassroots engagement connects young people not just to politics, but to the green economy opportunities, climate-smart jobs, and community ownership that the Renewed Hope Agenda promises. Sustainable governance must start from the grassroots,” he said.
Nwoko, fondly called ‘The Political Oshobe’, also serves as Chief of Staff to Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the appointment, pledging to deliver on the assignment.
The Presidential Campaign Council will be inaugurated at the Presidential Villa on October 14, 2026.
