By Ewere Okonta
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ewereokonta20@gmail.com
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
“As a visionary leader, my commitment to service is aptly captured by my slogan- Our People First”
– Hon Marilyn Okowa- Daramola
In the heart of the jungle, where the roar of the king echoes through the vast wilderness, there is an unshakable truth—no one expects a lion to birth an ant. It is the natural order of things. Strength begets strength, leadership breeds leadership, and a true legacy is carried forward with honor and purpose. In the political landscape of Delta State, this principle stands tall. His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the revered former governor and senator, was no ordinary leader. He redefined governance, earning the title of ‘Road Master’ for his unmatched infrastructural achievements. Today, the next chapter of that remarkable story is being written by none other than his daughter, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola. If ever there was proof that the apple does not fall far from the tree, Marilyn embodies it wholeheartedly.
From an early age, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola was destined for greatness. Leadership coursed through her veins, not because of her last name, but because of her relentless drive and passion for service. A trained lawyer, a dedicated legislator, and a fearless advocate for girls’ and youth empowerment, she did not enter the political arena as a mere heir to her father’s legacy. Instead, she carved her own path, armed with vision, intelligence, and a burning desire to make a difference.
In 2019, Marilyn took her first bold step into public service when she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Girl-Child Empowerment. This was no ceremonial position—it was a call to action, and she answered it with unwavering commitment. She pioneered the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Initiative, a groundbreaking program that empowered 1,850 female entrepreneurs and positively impacted over 5,000 livelihoods. In an era where women still face significant barriers, she championed a cause that changed lives, proving that true leadership is measured by impact, not just intentions.
By 2023, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola had earned the trust and mandate of the people, becoming the youngest legislator in the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Ika North East. With a roaring ambition and an unyielding dedication to service, she wasted no time in making meaningful legislative contributions. She has already sponsored two critical bills: the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Law, 2023 and the Delta State Child Rights (Amendment) Law, 2024, both of which address crucial social justice issues. Her influence in the Assembly extends further as she co-sponsored several other impactful bills, including the Delta State Merit Award Scheme Bill, 2023, the Delta State Domestic Staff Service Providers (Registration) Bill, 2024, and the Delta State Food Security Agency Bill, 2024, among others. Each bill speaks to her keen understanding of governance, development, and the pressing needs of the people.
But Marilyn’s leadership does not stop at the legislative chamber. She has transformed the lives of her constituents through ambitious and well-executed constituency projects. Her achievements are tangible and undeniable. In January 2024, she provided a brand-new fire truck for the fire service station, ensuring better emergency response in her community and beyond. By March, she had facilitated the installation of a borehole at Owa Secondary School, Owa-Oyibu, and addressing water scarcity. The list continues—construction of the NDDC Road (June 2024), a massive Boji Boji Owa Mixed Modern Market featuring 120 open shops, 12 slaughterhouses, drainage systems, toilets, and a warehouse (September 2024), and the renovation of the famous ‘Garage Market’ (November 2024). Her commitment to infrastructure development is evident in the installation of 222 solar-powered streetlights, classroom renovations, and ongoing road construction projects, including Frank Monye Street.
Education and women’s empowerment remain at the core of Marilyn’s vision. Through the Marilyn Okowa-Daramola Foundation, she launched the Back to School Outreach initiative, supporting 1,800 students, and the Market Women Business Support program, providing financial assistance to 400 hardworking women. She believes that a better future starts with empowering the youth and women—the backbone of any thriving society.
Indeed, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola has proven beyond doubt that she is not just her father’s daughter by name but by action, character, and impact. Leadership is not inherited—it is earned through service, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She has demonstrated that a lioness raised by a lion will never be anything less than a formidable force.
The jungle remains a place where only the strong survive, and in the ever-evolving political terrain of Delta State, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola stands tall—not just as the daughter of a lion, but as a lioness in her own right. The roar of leadership continues, loud and clear, ensuring that Delta State remains on the path of progress and transformation.
*Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor*