Hon. Marilyn Okowa Daramola Shatters the Glass Ceiling with Landmark Empowerment Programme

Beye Kingsley 

History was made on Saturday, 18th July 2026, as the Member representing Ika North East State Constituency, Hon. Marilyn Okowa Daramola, delivered what many have described as one of the most comprehensive and people-oriented empowerment programmes ever witnessed in the constituency.

In a bold demonstration of her unwavering commitment to improving lives, Hon. Marilyn Okowa Daramola broke new ground, shattered the glass ceiling, and raised the bar for entrepreneurship and grassroots empowerment. The programme was not merely a distribution of items; it was a strategic investment in people, livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth.

The empowerment cut across several sectors of the economy, ensuring that beneficiaries from different professions and walks of life received the tools needed to become self-reliant and financially independent. The items distributed included 30 grinding machines with aprons, 30 sewing machines, 20 deep freezers, 30 hairdressing washing basins and dryers, 30 complete barbing kits comprising barber chairs, generators and clippers, 20 washing machines with steam irons for dry-cleaning businesses, 16 motorcycles, 30 sets of knapsack sprayers, fertilizers and herbicides for farmers, and 9 wheelchairs for persons living with disabilities.

In addition, 295 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each as business support grants, providing much-needed capital to expand existing businesses or establish new ventures. The highlight of the event and undoubtedly the icing on the cake was the presentation of ₦1 million entrepreneurship grants to three outstanding beneficiaries, a remarkable initiative designed to nurture larger-scale enterprises and create more employment opportunities within the constituency.

This landmark programme clearly reflects Hon. Marilyn Okowa Daramola's belief that effective representation is measured not by rhetoric but by tangible impact. This is not the first time she is moving decisively from promises to action, demonstrating that public office is a platform for service and transformation rather than mere political symbolism.

Her campaign mantra, "Our People First," was no longer just a slogan printed on campaign materials or contained in her manifesto. On 18th July 2026, those words came alive again. They assumed human form in the smiles of 500 beneficiaries, the renewed hope of struggling families, and the confidence of entrepreneurs now equipped with the resources to build sustainable livelihoods.

Beyond the impressive numbers and the value of the items distributed lies an even greater achievement: the restoration of hope. By empowering artisans, traders, farmers, transport operators, persons with disabilities, and small business owners, Hon. Marilyn has laid the foundation for a stronger local economy where beneficiaries can create wealth, employ others, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Ika North East.

As the applause from this historic empowerment programme continues to resonate across the constituency, one message stands out unmistakably: Hon. Marilyn Okowa Daramola is redefining representation by placing people at the centre of governance. Through visionary leadership, purposeful action, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of her constituents, she has set a new benchmark that will inspire generations of public servants to come.