ASABA: Mrs. Marilyn Dumkelechukwu Okowa-Daramola is a distinguished legal professional, visionary leader, and dedicated public servant committed to social impact, governance, and community development.
Her career trajectory reflects her passion for law, public service, and grassroots empowerment, making her a trailblazer in legislative affairs in Delta State.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Law from Lancaster University (2013) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Nottingham (2010). With a solid academic foundation, she embarked on a career in law, initially working in private practice before transitioning into the public sector.
Her legal expertise was honed through her role as an Assistant Legal Officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria (2014–2018) and her experience as an associate in several prestigious law firms across Nigeria.
Her foray into public service became more pronounced when she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Girl Child Empowerment (July 2019 – March 2022).
This position, created by her father, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, then Governor of Delta State, was a testament to her capability and dedication to youth and women’s development. In this role, she spearheaded the Girl Child Empowerment Office and pioneered Project GEST (Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme), a transformative initiative that successfully trained and empowered over 1,850 young female entrepreneurs across Delta State.
Under her leadership, Project GEST equipped young women with essential vocational skills, financial literacy, and business support, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Following her impactful tenure as SSA, Mrs. Okowa-Daramola was elected to the Delta State House of Assembly, where she continues to drive policies that align with economic growth, social development, and community welfare.
As a lawmaker, she has been a vocal advocate for financial inclusion, women’s rights, and access to quality education, ensuring that legislative decisions prioritize the needs of her constituents.
Beyond her legislative responsibilities, Mrs. Okowa-Daramola remains deeply committed to philanthropy and grassroots empowerment. She is the founder of The Michael and Marilyn Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on poverty alleviation, women’s enterprise development, and educational support for young people.
Through the foundation, she has impacted over 2,300 children, empowered more than 700 market women, and provided financial aid to hundreds of indigent families across Delta State. Her foundation’s initiatives have brought hope and tangible relief to many vulnerable groups, reinforcing her commitment to uplifting the less privileged.
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Her dedication to governance and leadership was further demonstrated when she hosted Councillors from Ika North-East at the Delta State House of Assembly. During their visit, she provided them with firsthand insights into legislative proceedings, governance dynamics, and the importance of collaboration between local and state representatives. She acknowledged the progress made in their constituency, highlighted ongoing development projects, and identified areas that required further attention.
Emphasizing the need for synergy in governance, she encouraged the Councillors to leverage their legislative exposure to strengthen leadership at the grassroots level. This engagement coincided with the Assembly’s final plenary session of the year, marking a transition into a new legislative phase with renewed aspirations for development and progress.
More than just a policymaker, Mrs. Okowa-Daramola embodies inclusivity and progressive leadership, bridging the gap between local governance and state legislation. Her efforts have earned her admiration from both her colleagues and constituents.
The visiting Councillors described their experience as enlightening, noting that it deepened their understanding of legislative responsibilities and the intricacies of governance.
As a role model for young women and youth, she continuously advocates for increased participation in governance and active political engagement. She is a strong proponent of women’s inclusion in decision-making processes, emphasizing that their voices must be heard for meaningful societal transformation. Her slogan, “My People First,” reflects her unwavering commitment to ensuring that policies and programs uplift her constituency and Delta State as a whole.
Despite her demanding political career, Mrs. Okowa-Daramola balances her responsibilities with family life. She is married to a Yoruba man from Ogun State in Nigeria’s South-West region,
further exemplifying her ability to navigate diverse cultural backgrounds while remaining deeply rooted in her mission to serve her people.
Her resilience, determination, and passion for governance continue to make her a formidable force in the political landscape, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.
