By Collins Ughalaa
By all measures, the recent statewide tour by the Imo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, stands out as one of the most comprehensive grassroots political engagements in the state in recent times. From LGA to LGA, ward to ward, and community to community, the exercise – culminating in the inauguration of Ward Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) – has not only strengthened political structures but also rekindled civic awareness and participation at the grassroots.
The visits, which cut across the three senatorial zones of Imo State, were marked by colour, enthusiasm and deep political engagement. At each stop, party faithful, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and traditional stakeholders gathered to witness the formal inauguration of Ward Coordinators – men and women carefully selected to serve as the foot soldiers and conscience of the Renewed Hope Agenda at the community level.
At the core of the exercise is the deliberate construction of a functional, people-driven political architecture. According to Opiah, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors were conceived not as a ceremonial body, but as a strategic grassroots platform designed to bridge the gap between government and the governed. “The strength of any political movement is not measured by the noise on social media or the size of rallies in urban centres,” Opiah repeatedly told gatherings during the inaugurations. “It is measured by how deeply it is rooted in the wards, villages and polling units where the people live.”
By inaugurating Ward Coordinators across LGAs, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have effectively built a network that penetrates the smallest political units. This structure ensures that government policies, programmes and reforms are not only communicated clearly to the people but also interpreted within local realities. The coordinators are expected to act as community mobilisers, policy explainers and feedback channels – roles that place them at the heart of grassroots governance and political enlightenment.
Central to the success of the statewide tour has been Opiah’s leadership style, widely described by stakeholders as disciplined, inclusive and deeply rooted in grassroots realities. A former federal lawmaker and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Opiah has consistently demonstrated an uncommon ability to connect with ordinary people while maintaining strategic focus. At every inauguration, he emphasised unity, loyalty to constituted authority and respect for existing party structures. He made it clear that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors are not a parallel political organisation nor an opposition within the party, but a complementary force committed to strengthening the political base. “Our mission is service,” Opiah declared at several LGAs. “We are ambassadors of hope, ambassadors of truth, and ambassadors of progress. We must take governance to the people in a language they understand.” His calm but firm delivery, coupled with his accessibility, has earned him respect across political divides. Community leaders commended his decision to personally attend the inaugurations, describing it as a demonstration of hands-on leadership and commitment to grassroots mobilisation.
Perhaps the most significant impact of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ tour has been the revival of political activity at the grassroots level. In many communities, the inauguration ceremonies marked the first major political gathering in months, drawing renewed attention to civic participation and political discourse. Youth groups, in particular, have been energised by the Renewed Hope message. Speakers at various LGAs noted that young people, who had become largely disengaged from political processes, are beginning to show renewed interest following the emergence of ward-based structures that recognise and include them.
Women leaders also applauded the initiative, stressing that the grassroots focus of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors creates opportunities for broader inclusion, especially for women who are often excluded from high-level political discussions. Through town-hall style interactions and community meetings, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have helped demystify governance, bringing political conversations back to village squares, ward centres and local government halls.
At each LGA, remarks by local leaders underscored the strategic relevance of the exercise. Party chieftains described the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as a timely intervention capable of strengthening party cohesion and public trust. Traditional rulers and community elders urged the newly inaugurated coordinators to act with integrity, humility and dedication. Several stakeholders highlighted the importance of countering misinformation at the grassroots, noting that false narratives often thrive where there is no organised structure to provide clarity.
Beyond the LGA inaugurations, Opiah’s tour also featured strategic visits to key stakeholders across the Owerri and Okigwe zones. These engagements were designed to consolidate elite and grassroots support, ensuring alignment between political leadership, opinion moulders and community influencers. In the Owerri Zone, Opiah engaged senior party leaders, traditional institutions and professionals, reinforcing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ commitment to dialogue and consensus-building.
During visits to prominent leaders, including Prince Lemmy Akakem and Eziopara Ben Anyanwu, Opiah emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to Nigeria’s welfare and that ongoing economic reforms are yielding results. He reiterated that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors are an advocacy group mandated to explain government policies and correct misconceptions at the grassroots.
The tour also took Opiah to Emekuku, where former Minister and Ambassador Kema Chikwe called on Ndigbo to embrace strategic political engagement and declared her strong support for President Tinubu’s reforms. She praised both the President and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for policies expanding state powers, infrastructure development and economic renewal.
Similarly, former Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso and former Governor Ikedi Ohakim commended the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ grassroots mobilisation, describing President Tinubu’s policies as bold, stabilising and necessary for national survival.
What distinguishes the Renewed Hope Ambassadors is their evolution from an organisational framework into a living movement. The ward inaugurations have transformed abstract political ideals into tangible community-based action. Coordinators are expected not only to mobilise support but also to promote civic values, peaceful participation and accountability. Opiah cautioned against arrogance or abuse of office, stressing that credibility would rest on discipline and character.
As the tour continues, it is evident that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have laid a solid foundation for sustained political engagement in Imo State. By personally leading the ward inaugurations, Opiah sends a clear message that grassroots mobilisation is not an afterthought but the backbone of political success. His leadership has infused confidence into the movement, positioning it as a formidable force for political education and mobilisation.
The statewide visits and ward inaugurations led by Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah have undeniably reawakened political consciousness at the grassroots. Through strategic planning, inclusive leadership and consistent engagement, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have reignited interest in politics among ordinary citizens, strengthened party structures and deepened community-level participation. As one community elder aptly observed during an inauguration, “Politics has returned to the people.”
