Owa-Alero, Delta State — Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, joined a host of political leaders and stakeholders on Saturday as the member representing Ika North-East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, celebrated her third anniversary in office with a large-scale empowerment programme for constituents.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo; APC Deputy State Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh; former Principal Secretary to the immediate past Governor, Dr. Hillary Ibegbulem; Dr. Festus Okubor; Dr. Frank Nwugo; former Director of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Ifeanyi Eboigbe, alongside traditional rulers, party faithful and community leaders.
The event, themed “Our People First: Promise Made, Promise Kept,” featured the presentation of Hon. Okowa-Daramola’s three-year stewardship report and the empowerment of no fewer than 500 beneficiaries drawn from communities across Ika North-East Constituency.
Addressing the gathering, the lawmaker credited the progress recorded during her three years in office to the enabling leadership of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, saying the administration’s commitment to grassroots development had strengthened effective representation and improved service delivery across the state.
She expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and thanked Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support, noting that his people-focused approach to governance had inspired her to remain committed to fulfilling her campaign promises.
Okowa-Daramola recalled receiving early advice that political office is temporary and should always be used to improve the lives of the people, describing the counsel as the guiding principle behind her legislative and constituency engagements.
According to her, extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, traders, artisans, farmers, women, youths, senior citizens and persons with disabilities revealed a strong desire among constituents for economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, leading to the design of the empowerment programme.
Reviewing her stewardship, the lawmaker highlighted the sponsorship of several bills and motions, construction of classroom blocks, distribution of educational materials and school furniture, installation of solar-powered streetlights, construction of market stalls, facilitation of road projects, provision of a fire truck for emergency response, business grants and vocational training initiatives.
She said the interventions had expanded access to education, strengthened public safety, boosted small businesses and created new opportunities for youths and vulnerable groups across the constituency.
As part of the empowerment initiative, 500 beneficiaries, including students, artisans, entrepreneurs, farmers, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, received cash grants, bursaries, motorcycles, sewing machines, refrigerators, generators, washing machines, hair dryers, grinding machines, farming inputs, wheelchairs and other vocational equipment.
She urged beneficiaries to put the items into productive use rather than dispose of them, stressing that the objective was to promote self-reliance, create jobs and improve household incomes.
Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, commended Okowa-Daramola for sustaining grassroots empowerment and responsive representation, describing the turnout as a reflection of the confidence reposed in her by the people.
He praised her legislative contributions and constituency engagement, urging residents to continue supporting her, the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, while encouraging the lawmaker to sustain programmes that directly impact the lives of the people.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, described Okowa-Daramola as a committed legislator whose representation had remained focused on the welfare and development of her constituents, adding that her performance had positioned her for greater responsibilities.
Also speaking, Chairman of the APC in Ika North-East Local Government Area, Comrade Emeke Asiwe, applauded the transparent process adopted in selecting beneficiaries, noting that artisans, students, transport unions, religious organisations and persons with disabilities benefited through a rigorous verification exercise.
He said the lawmaker had earned the confidence of the people through performance, dedication and inclusive leadership, while several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention and pledged to utilise the support to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
