A boutique owner in Ellu, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Omamuzou Okwobeno, has shared a glowing testimony on how an empowerment grant facilitated by Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has transformed his business and livelihood.
Okwobeno was among the beneficiaries of a business support empowerment scheme organised in March 2024 as part of activities marking the 50th birth anniversary of Hon. Ukodhiko, the member representing Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Through the programme, he received a grant of ₦200,000 aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs within the constituency.
According to the boutique owner, the financial support came at a crucial time and was immediately invested into expanding his business.
He explained that before the empowerment, his trade was limited mainly to the sale of rubber palm slippers. However, the intervention enabled him to diversify his stock and scale up operations.
“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,” Okwobeno said. “From that very day, my business changed for the better.”
He further disclosed that the expansion has significantly improved his turnover and consistency in restocking, noting that he now travels regularly to Onitsha market to purchase new goods.
“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. The money has turned into millions in my hands,” he added.
Expressing gratitude, Okwobeno described the empowerment scheme as impactful and well-targeted, saying it demonstrates Hon. Ukodhiko’s commitment to grassroots economic development.
He reaffirmed his support for the lawmaker, praising his people-oriented approach to representation.
“I support Hon. Ukodhiko again and again,” he said, stressing that the intervention has given him confidence, stability and renewed hope as a small business owner.
Hon. Ukodhiko’s empowerment initiatives have continued to draw commendation from beneficiaries across the Isoko nation, many of whom say the programmes are helping to stimulate local enterprise, create jobs and strengthen the economic base of the constituency.