A small business owner in Ellu community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has credited a ₦200,000 empowerment grant facilitated by Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, Member representing Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, with dramatically transforming his boutique operations and improving his family's economic stability.
Mr. Omamuzou Okwobeno, proprietor of a boutique in Ellu, shared his success story in a recent testimony, highlighting how the financial intervention—part of a broader business support scheme—enabled him to expand beyond his previous limited trade and achieve sustainable growth. The grant was disbursed in March 2024 as one of the key activities commemorating Hon. Ukodhiko's 50th birth anniversary on March 25, 2025.
Okwobeno explained that prior to receiving the support, his business primarily revolved around selling rubber palm slippers, a niche product with constrained market reach and profit margins. The timely injection of capital allowed him to diversify his inventory significantly. "My testimony goes this way: I used to sell rubber pams, but immediately I was empowered, I channelled part of the money into carton pams and used the remaining to expand my business," he recounted. "From that very day, my business changed for the better."
The diversification strategy proved highly effective. Okwobeno noted that the additional funds enabled him to stock a wider range of boutique items, including clothing, accessories, and other fashion goods. This shift has led to increased customer traffic, higher turnover, and greater consistency in operations. He now makes regular sourcing trips to the major commercial hub of Onitsha market in Anambra State. "There is no week that I don’t go to Onitsha market to buy new stocks because I am fully into the boutique business now," he said. "The money has turned into millions in my hands."
The beneficiary described the grant as arriving at a critical juncture, providing the liquidity needed to scale without relying on high-interest loans or depleting personal savings. The expansion has not only boosted his income but also enhanced his ability to restock promptly, meet customer demands, and maintain a competitive edge in the local market. For many small entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban communities like Ellu, such interventions represent a lifeline amid economic challenges including inflation, high transportation costs, and limited access to formal credit.
Okwobeno expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Ukodhiko, praising the lawmaker's targeted approach to grassroots empowerment. He described the programme as "impactful and well-targeted," demonstrating a genuine commitment to economic development at the community level. "I support Hon. Ukodhiko again and again," he affirmed, adding that the support has instilled renewed confidence, financial stability, and hope for the future as a small business owner. His endorsement reflects a broader sentiment among constituents who view the representative's initiatives as people-oriented and results-driven.
The empowerment scheme formed part of a multi-million-naira package unveiled by Hon. Ukodhiko to mark his golden jubilee. The initiative included startup grants, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support aimed at youths, women, and small-scale business owners across the federal constituency. It aligned with his ongoing efforts to stimulate local enterprise, create self-employment opportunities, and build economic resilience in Isoko North and South.
Since assuming office in the 10th National Assembly in 2023, Hon. Ukodhiko has prioritized constituency projects and human capital development. His interventions have encompassed solar-powered streetlights, medical equipment for primary healthcare centres, school furniture and classroom construction, scholarships for high-performing students, and various skill acquisition programmes. In 2024 and 2025, he facilitated entrepreneurial training and startup grants for over 200 women, vocational and ICT skills for hundreds of youths, and enrollment of constituents in federal schemes such as the ₦50,000 Conditional Grant and NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.
Beneficiaries like Okwobeno represent the tangible outcomes of these efforts. Across the Isoko nation, similar testimonies have emerged, with recipients highlighting how grants and training have helped launch or revitalize micro-enterprises, generate jobs, and reduce dependency on limited formal employment opportunities. In rural areas where agriculture dominates but faces uncertainties, diversifying into trading and boutique businesses offers alternative income streams and contributes to household stability.
Hon. Ukodhiko's approach emphasizes transparency, fairness, and direct impact, with funds disbursed through verifiable processes to ensure they reach genuine beneficiaries. The lawmaker has consistently advocated for empowering ordinary citizens to drive local economies, viewing small businesses as the backbone of community prosperity.
As Nigeria grapples with economic headwinds, including rising costs and youth unemployment, constituency-level interventions like this gain added significance. They complement federal and state programmes by providing localized, responsive support that addresses specific needs in underserved areas.
Okwobeno's story serves as an inspiring example of how strategic empowerment can yield exponential returns. From a modest trade in rubber slippers to a thriving boutique with weekly sourcing from major markets, his journey illustrates the potential for positive change when resources reach committed entrepreneurs. His renewed support for Hon. Ukodhiko underscores the political goodwill generated by effective representation focused on tangible development.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections approaching, such grassroots testimonies reinforce the value of sustained constituency engagement. For many in Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Ukodhiko's record of empowerment initiatives continues to build trust and highlight the transformative power of targeted support in fostering economic self-reliance and community progress.
