Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, beacon of hope and empowerment for young women

Hon. Marilyn Dumkelechukwu Okowa-Daramola is a dynamic legislator, youth advocate and girl’s empowerment trailblazer. She was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly in March 2023, making history as the first female representative from Ika North-East constituency, and the youngest legislator in the 8th Delta State House of Assembly.

Marilyn who holds an LLB and LLM in Law from the University of Nottingham (2010) and Lancaster University (2013) respectively, started her public service career at the age of 29, as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Girl Child Empowerment, where she headed the Girl Child Empowerment Office from July 2019 to March 2022. During her tenure, she pioneered Project GEST – the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training programme through which 1850 young female entrepreneurs in Delta State were trained, empowered and established. The project was massively successful, impacting over 5000 livelihoods across the state and bringing hope and relief to many families as most of the beneficiaries are currently running successful businesses. Marilyn previously worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria as an Assistant Legal Officer between 2014 and 2018 and before that, as an associate in reputable law firms in Nigeria.

Her passion for empowering the less privileged led her to establish a non-profit organisation, The Marilyn Okowa-Daramola Foundation, as far back as 2015 with the overarching objective to alleviate poverty, encourage women’s enterprise and support the education of children. The organisation has so far reached out to at least 5000 children, over 1128 market women and thousands of indigent families through its community outreach activities.

As a legislator, her commitment to service is adequately captured through her slogan – ‘Our People First.’ She is the Chairman of the Finance and Appropriations Committee, the Vice-Chairman of Women Affairs, Girl Child & Humanitarian Support Services Committee and a member of several other House Committees where she has continued to perform her duties with exceptional aplomb.

In March 2024, she sponsored a landmark people–oriented bill designed to protect the rights of people living with disabilities which was successfully passed by the House of Assembly. The bill which will ensure a future where persons with disability enjoy improved access and opportunities as well as eliminate discrimination was signed into law by the Governor of Delta State on the 4th of December, 2024.

In September 2024, she sponsored another important bill, recommending vital amendments to the Child Rights Law of Delta State 2008. The Amendment Bill, which has successfully scaled through second reading, aims to strengthen the legal framework for child rights in Delta State.

Dumkelechukwu Okowa-Daramola has received several recognitions and awards.

Marilyn is happily married with two children. In her free time, she likes planning events and travelling.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and public service, particularly focusing on women’s empowerment and child rights?

I have always had a passion for impacting lives positively. Inspired by my father who was in public service, I wanted to reach out and effect positive change in my community. Law on the other hand came naturally to me because I cannot remember not wanting to be a lawyer. I did not have any lawyer who I looked up to so I guess it is because I admired the legal profession. I also wanted to be a legislator and I knew that studying law would make me a better lawmaker.

As for focusing on women’s empowerment, I am from a family where I was one of three girls initially. My mother was such a good example to look up to and my parents gave us the best even though having only girls was not so “fashionable”. I felt the need to be exceptional in my achievements to show that having a daughter is as good as having a son. Now, as a mother to only girls, my focus on women empowerment is to ensure that I do my part to create a better world for my daughters, a world where women are not left behind and have equal access and rights as men.

Can you share any personal experiences that have shaped your commitment to community service and empowerment?

During the time when I was implementing the Girls Empowerment and Skills Training Project (Project GEST), I saw firsthand what gains direct service to the people could bring. I am referring here to the direct impact of one-on-one community service where individuals are directly reached with solutions to the challenges they face. I saw that when empowerment is bottom up, and you are in direct contact with the beneficiaries, it can be truly life changing not only for the individuals but for their families and community.

As the first female representative from Ika North-East constituency, what does this milestone mean to you and your community?

I feel that being the first woman representative gives hope to every young girl coming after, just to show them that if I can achieve it, they can as well.

Elaborate on your experiences in the Delta State House of Assembly since your election? What challenges have you encountered as a young legislator?

My time in the Delta State House of Assembly has been both enriching and challenging. Navigating the legislative processes and procedures has been a rewarding learning curve. I am mainly focused on ensuring that I deliver impactful and effective representation for my constituents.

One of the most significant challenges I face is balancing my professional responsibilities with family life. As one of only two women in a 29-member assembly, the predominantly male environment presents unique hurdles, particularly as a wife and mother raising small children. The demanding work schedule often leaves little room for personal time, making it a constant effort to meet the expectations of both roles. This dynamic has further highlighted the importance of creating more inclusive and supportive structures for women in leadership.

What are some of the most significant initiatives you have undertaken since being elected, and why are they important?

I would say that my most significant achievement as a legislator till date is my first bill: The Delta State Protection of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which I introduced on Tuesday 12th December 2023. The bill was passed by the house on Wednesday 6th March 2024 and the Governor of Delta State signed this bill into law on the 4th of December 2024, the first private member bill to be assented to by the governor. I consider this a major win because the bill not only protects the rights of persons with disabilities but will ensure a future where persons with disability enjoy improved access and opportunities as well as eliminate discrimination.

I also sponsored another important bill, recommending vital amendments to the Child Rights Law of Delta State 2008. The Amendment Bill, which has successfully scaled through second reading, aims to strengthen the legal framework for child rights in Delta State. The bill is scheduled for third reading soon and will hopefully be passed in the next few weeks.

I have influenced very important projects to my constituency with the support of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori. These include:

• Provision of a brand-new fire truck for the fire service station.

• Provision of a borehole at Owa secondary school, Owa-Oyibu.

• Construction of NDDC Road.

• Construction of Boji-Boji Owa Mixed Modern Market which includes 120 open shops, 12 slaughter houses, drainage, toilets and a warehouse.

• Renovation of the popular “Garage Market”, which includes 112 lock up shops.

• Installation of 222 All-In-One solar powered street lights in Owa-Alero and Ute.

• Renovation of 6 classroom blocks and construction of 8 pupils’ toilets at Ogbe Model Primary School Umunede.

• Renovation of 6 classroom blocks and construction of 6 pupils’ toilets at Owanta Secondary School, Owanta.

• Construction of Frank Monye Street.

Through my foundation, I have carried out an annual back-to-school outreach where pupils are provided with basic school supplies at the beginning of a school year. This project which started before I was elected has reached up to 5000 children. I also carry out a market women support outreach every year to mark International Women’s Day. At the 2024 outreach, 400 women received cash grants to support their businesses.

How do you approach the process of drafting and sponsoring bills? What factors do you consider?

As a legislator, I only sponsor people-oriented bills. I identify problems in my community, areas where there are gaps/loopholes. Then, I consider what has been done in other jurisdictions or climes. If it’s a problem that can be solved through legislation, I go ahead to draft or sponsor a bill that will provide a solution. If however, it is something that can be solved via lobbying or influence, I step into action to bring respite to my people. In everything I do as a legislator, I always consider what will bring the greatest joy to my people. That’s why it’s #OurPeopleFirst always.

Project GEST has reportedly had a significant impact on young female entrepreneurs. Can you share specific success stories or feedback you’ve received from beneficiaries?

Project GEST is one of my biggest wins till date. I can still remember the smiles on the faces of the young girls and their tears of joy at finally being seen and heard. Most of the beneficiaries are currently running successful businesses in different parts of the state in skill areas such as fashion design, photography and videography, hairdressing and makeup, professional cleaning services, leather works, baking and confectioneries and ICT. A good number of them have also won national recognitions and awards. Notable among these are the following:

• Odogwu Elizabeth Nkem – Designs by Lezie, a fashion designer from Project GEST pioneer set based in Agbor who won the prestigious Veekeee James Gala Awards in October 2022. The award included a cash gift of N700,000 and an industrial sewing machine.

• Uruntie Olegwa, – Oleg’s Fashion Home, also from the pioneer set is an excellent fashion designer based in Koko. She currently trains for State Government Empowerment Programmes and also trains for Total Energies, a multinational energy company.

• Emoefe Oghenetega Bridget – DJ Matrix, is one of our disk Jockey beneficiaries from the Magnificent 900 (GEST Second Stream) based in Udu. She won the ‘Best Female DJ of the year’ award in the 5th edition of the Warri Entertainment.

• Akpevwoghene Benedicta – Shine_Klin Cleaning Services – is one of our professional cleaning services beneficiaries and also one of the Magnificent 900 based in Warri. She was awarded a grant of N250,000 from Leading Ladies Africa and the Coca-Cola Foundation in April 2023 because of her outstanding business skills displayed by her winning business pitch at the Enterprise and Leadership Programme, a workshop for female business owners held in Warri from 5th – 7th April 2023.

• Oghenefegor Joy Mukoro – Feggytech_Hub – one of our most brilliant ICT beneficiaries from GEST pioneer set recently received the 2024 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship award for her innovative ICT solutions for small businesses. She received a total funding of $5000.

These are only a few out of many of our girls doing great things. As the UN Women notes, “Investing in girls’ education and empowerment is one of the smartest investments we can make.” Project GEST was indeed one of the most successful investments made by the previous administration and the gains and ripple effects will be felt by the families and communities of GEST beneficiaries and the entire Delta State for years to come.

How does your foundation align with your role as a legislator, and what future projects are you envisioning for it?

The government can’t do everything. We all have to do our bit to support development in our communities. The foundation is my own way of giving back. Through MODF, we try to bridge the gap in a small way to meet the needs of my constituents by carrying out projects that directly improve the well-being of my constituents.

What strategies do you employ to engage and communicate with your constituents about their needs and concerns?

I engage constituents through town hall meetings with women, youths and different groups. I also create opportunities to brief them, communicate with them on different projects and get their feedback. We have direct access lines where anyone in the community can call to reach me. I also have a point person in every community in my constituency. In this way, I always know what is going on and what is needed. It also helps that I go to my constituency frequently, sometimes multiple times every week to ensure that I am able to address issues in person and be accessible to my constituents.

You have been an active advocate for increasing the number of young people and women in politics. What barriers do you see that prevent them from participating, and how can they be addressed?

The major barrier is funding. Funding for politics limits young persons, especially young women. The solution is that a certain percentage should be reserved for women in order to support their participation.

In your opinion, what role should local governments play in supporting initiatives related to women and children?

Local governments are the arm of government closest to people so they should engage in building more markets that are convenient for women to trade. Education is also vital for community development so renovation of primary schools and providing good facilities for foundational education should be a priority. Another important role they should play is supporting primary healthcare facilities to make basic healthcare accessible.

Looking back, what have been some of the biggest learnings or challenges you’ve faced in your advocacy work?

The biggest lesson I have learnt is that I cannot solve every problem. As a result of the current economic challenges which have eliminated the middle class, there are a lot of my people who cannot afford their basic needs. Even feeding is now a problem for many families not to talk of rent, or school fees or healthcare. I have found ways to ensure that government grants and empowerment projects reach the poorest of the poor while doing what I can to assist the most critical cases personally.

What are your short and long-term goals as a legislator, and how do you envision making a lasting impact in Delta State?

It will be to sponsor more people-oriented bills and ensure that I can always put my people first. My goal is also to serve in a way that going forward, people will elect leaders that are accountable, leaders who serve in words and in deeds. My impact is geared towards leaving an enduring legacy of good leadership.

With your foundation and legislative duties, how do you balance personal life and family responsibilities?

Schedules have literally been a lifesaver. I am very family oriented so I make use of calendars and reminders to remember family events such as birthdays and important school events for my children. My family is my first priority and once I have settled the home front, it is easier to focus on work. I also have a good support system because my husband and family are always ready to step in to bridge any gap. It has not been easy at all especially with young children but I am coping.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter politics or public service?

Just do it. Don’t be afraid. But the thing is, you should only join politics because you have a call to service. You must be convinced that you have a passion and a calling to serve as this passion is what will help you to overcome the challenges on the way. The conviction that this is what you are supposed to be doing will keep you going.

What do you enjoy most about your role as a legislator, and what aspects do you find most challenging?

I will say that I enjoy being able to influence and shape policies. The most challenging aspect is that the politics of it can get a bit complicated.

How do you stay motivated and energised in your work, especially when faced with obstacles or setbacks?

The people that I represent, inspire and motivate me to keep going. Their support is so wholesome and when I remember their love and support, I am able to push through any setback.

Looking ahead, how do you see the landscape of politics changing for women and youth in Nigeria?

Nigerians are generally more aware that female leaders can deliver as well as men because many females who have been given a chance to serve in different capacities have done well. That is why we now have women legislators, commissioners, heads of boards, and MDAs. Young people are also coming out to speak out, contest for leadership positions, and break barriers in different areas of endeavour. I believe that very soon, the inequalities that exist now will be a thing of the past.

Concluding words

Politics as a young female is hard, but with determination and a passion to serve, you can surmount all challenges. I turned 35 a few weeks ago and I can boldly say that I am walking my calling. By God’s grace, I will continue to be a leader that is responsive to the needs of my people and put them first in all my decisions. I want to use this opportunity to encourage other young people, especially women, to stand up and take up leadership positions instead of shying away. With the right hands at the helm of leadership, we can continue to take baby steps towards building a Nigeria that we will be proud to leave behind for future generations.

Thank you for this opportunity.