Marvelous Udoko: From Humble Beginnings to a ₦1 Million Entrepreneurial Win

 Marvelous Udoko: From Humble Beginnings to a ₦1 Million Entrepreneurial Win

By Nurudeen Adebayo 

Marvelous Udoko, with state code KG/24B/2531, recently made headlines by representing Platoon 1 at the Accesspreneurship Programme, held during the NYSC orientation camp in Asaya, Kogi State.

 Her innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit led her to win the grand prize of ₦1 million, a testament to her determination and business acumen.

Hailing from Nsukka in Enugu State, Marvelous’s journey has been marked by resilience and a desire for personal and professional growth. 

She studied Production and Operations Management at Delta State Polytechnic, an experience she describes as "fine," although it was not without its challenges. 

Despite her goal to graduate with a distinction, Marvelous completed her studies with a respectable 3.40 CGPA, a feat she achieved in the face of adversity.

Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, Marvelous faced the difficult reality of losing her father, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Delta State. 

His passing left a void, but it also became a source of strength for her. “I received a lot of criticism for my intonation and the way I expressed myself,” she recalls. 

Yet, through it all, she found comfort in reading motivational and inspirational books, especially those by spiritual leaders like Bishop David Oyedepo. 

These books fueled her ambition and faith, driving her to persevere through the trials she faced.

Professionally, Marvelous has worn many hats. She began her career in the fintech industry, working with Money Point, a company that supplies POS machines. Over the course of her tenure, she provided more than 70 agents with the necessary tools to facilitate cashless transactions.

 “The cash-in, cash-out process is something we’re all familiar with,” she says, referencing the common practice of using ATM cards to pay for goods and services.

Her entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. Marvelous also ventured into real estate, securing land and houses for clients, while simultaneously running Marvelous Emporium, a business that assists individuals with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registrations. 

Her goal is to help people formalize their businesses, contributing to Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At the Accesspreneurship Programme, Marvelous’s innovative thinking stood out. 

The competition provided her with valuable insights into business planning and the use of strategic templates, which she has already begun applying to her cassava production business. 

"Cassava is a staple food, necessary for both human and animal consumption," she explains. Her plan is to scale up production, using the ₦1 million prize money to expand her operations and contribute to food security in the country.

As a devout Christian and regular churchgoer, Marvelous remains deeply connected to her faith. Her spirituality has been a guiding force throughout her life, helping her navigate both personal and professional challenges. 

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) after completing her NYSC, further enriching her knowledge and skills.

Marvelous Udoko’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and entrepreneurial success. From her humble beginnings in Nsukka to winning a national competiti With a bright future ahead, Marvelous is set to make an even greater impact in both the business world and her community.