For many Nigerians, empowerment programmes have become synonymous with empty promises and political favouritism.
But for Mr. Eloho Idoro of Emevor, Delta State, a recent intervention facilitated by Jonathan Ukodhiko, the member representing Isoko North/South Federal Constituency, has rewritten that familiar story.
In a deeply personal testimony shared via Facebook, Idoro recounted how scepticism initially clouded his perception of the business expansion empowerment scheme carried out last year by the federal lawmaker. Like many citizens who have watched similar initiatives come and go, he assumed the programme would ultimately benefit only a privileged few with political connections.
“I honestly did not believe it would be different,” Idoro admitted. “I thought it was another programme that would end on paper or be shared among party loyalists.”
Yet, driven by a mix of curiosity and quiet hope, he said he reluctantly prepared a business plan and submitted it for consideration. What followed, according to him, was a process that surprised and impressed him.
Idoro said his application was shortlisted strictly on merit, without influence or backdoor arrangement. He was subsequently invited for a physical interview, where he defended his proposal before a selection panel — a step he described as rare in grassroots empowerment initiatives.
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“For the first time, I felt like my idea mattered more than who I knew,” he wrote.
The beneficiary described the interview process as transparent, professional and fair, noting that applicants were assessed based on the viability of their businesses and their capacity for growth. When he was eventually selected, Idoro said the experience restored his confidence in public service and governance.
Beyond the financial support, Idoro said the programme sent a powerful message to ordinary citizens — that integrity, hard work and preparation could still open doors.
He lauded Ukodhiko for what he termed a “people-centred approach” to leadership, noting that the lawmaker’s empowerment model demonstrated that public office could still be used as a platform for genuine development, rather than political patronage.
“At a time when many have lost faith in leadership, this programme reminded me that hope is not completely lost,” Idoro said.
His testimony has since sparked conversations online, with many residents of the constituency hailing the lawmaker’s transparent process and calling for similar initiatives across the state and country.
For Idoro and others like him, the empowerment scheme was more than an intervention — it was a proof that responsive leadership, when practised with sincerity, can still touch lives and restore belief in governance.
“To the glory of God, I emerged as one of the 18 beneficiaries of the N500,000 empowerment grant, without any form of political influence,” he said.
Idoro noted that the experience fundamentally changed his perception of governance and leadership, stressing that the process demonstrated that integrity and fairness were still possible in public office.
“That singular act made me understand that there is still hope for the common man in the corridors of power,” he wrote.
He described Ukodhiko as a leader who listens to the cries of his people and responds decisively without compromise, commending the lawmaker and his foundation for prioritising genuine empowerment over patronage.
Expressing his gratitude, Idoro pledged continued support for Ukodhiko’s principles, programmes and vision for the Isoko nation, affirming confidence in his leadership and endorsing his aspiration for re-election in 2027.
Since assuming office, the lawmaker has been widely acknowledged for initiating empowerment schemes, interventions and constituency projects aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across Isoko North and South.
