-By Albert OGRAKA:
Like a wildfire that arouses anxiety and like the caressing moonlight at night, “Hope Alive”, an emerging independent political pressure group, routing support for Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas of Delta state, has become a household name among key political actors and strategists.
The group, though a political pressure group, committed to raising leaders, it also operates a foundation with interest in community and humanitarian services, including the empowerment of women, youths and children, especially the less privileged in the society.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the political relevance of Hope Alive has increased tremendously across all voting units and wards with the inauguration of unit and ward coordinators in Isoko North and Isoko South, in a bid to mobilize the electorates to vote massively for all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearers in all elections.
The Hope Series now Hope Alive was founded by Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) during the Zero Party Era. Its first series was called “Hope 97” in the year 1997.
Hope 97 was a very powerful Socio Political Movement that had very disciplined intellectuals with a dream and burning desire to transform our polity for good.
The Ideology of Hope 97 was founded on the features and characteristics of its founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and hinged on Steadfastness, Commitment, Honesty, Integrity, Intelligence and Character.
These cardinals were the focal points of Hope 97. It was evident that all members of Hope 97 were disciplined with integrity and character.
With the transition to full democracy in Nigeria, Hope 97 remained relevant even in 1999, playing a vital role in the selection and election of government officials at all Levels of government.
Members who went into the private and public sector continued to excel in their endeavours. Hope 97 became a movement that attracted aspiring individuals from all works of Life. The success story of Hope 97 is legendary.
Hope 97 was the propelling force that navigated the turbulent political era of 2001 – 2002. The Steadfastness and commitment of the founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and his members surmounted the political Challenge, paving way for his appointment into NNPC, as Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR administration.
The numerous political and economic transformation witnessed by members of the group was marveling, soon agitations continued to grow on the need to change the series of Hope 97 to reflect yearly progression. This led to the Hope Series of Hope 2002, Hope 2008, Hope 2013 and Hope 2014.
It is instructive to mention that the Hope Series has produced eminent personalities in the society. Hope Series has produced top government officials at all levels of government from the Ward level to the Presidency.
Some of these offices occupied by members of Hope Series include Local Government Chairman, Member, Delta State House of Assembly, NNPC Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company, Special Adviser,Govt House, to the Governor of Delta State, Members of various Boards and Governing Councils in Delta State, Members of Federal Boards and Governing Councils, Local Government Party Chairman, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Vice Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Members of Local Govt Transition Committee and Legal Advisers, among others.
The respect for diversity of human behaviour and effective political behavioral management has kept the Hope Series Alive, this is why members of the group have decided to move for a permanent name for a group that had seen them through economic and political emancipation. This is why the Hope Series has Transformed into HOPE ALIVE.
According to the Director General, Hon. Obaro Godspower, “Hope Alive is not restricted in scope to any Political Party, our membership cut across all present political parties. This is because Hope Alive transends the Present Day Political Parties. The tolerance of divergent veiws and respect for individual choice to association is highly respected, however the decisions of Hope Alive is binding on all members.
“The aims and objectives of the group is still propelled by the Ideology of our Founder now Grand Patron, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) while the group is administered by a group of pragmatic, intelligent and committed individuals from all works of Life.
The Focal point of the group has intensified into Wealth Creation for Young Men and Women, Preparation of Young Men and Women for Leadership, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.
“The group is opened to new members who are attracted to the ideals of the group.
Hope becomes Alive with you as our member. Hope Alive!!! Committed to Raising Leaders.”
