The Human Side of Rep. Jonathan Ukodhiko

In the quiet Emevor community of Isoko North, compassion spoke louder than politics on a day of deep grief. It was a moment that revealed the human side of Hon. (Pastor) Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, one defined not by titles or ambition, but by empathy, remembrance, and a firm belief in lifting the vulnerable.

The story centres on a little boy with a big name and an even bigger future: Inwe Oghenetano, fondly called Master Tano. He is the only son of the late Madam Rose Idisi, former PDP Woman Leader of Emevor Ward, whose passing in January 2023 left a painful void in her family and community. Rose Idisi was not just a party leader; she was a grassroots mobiliser, a dependable voice, and a woman whose commitment to service earned her respect across Isoko Federal Constituency.

When Hon. Ukodhiko, then a candidate for the House of Representatives, paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family, he did not come alone.

With him were respected leaders and stakeholders, including Chief Dr. (Barr.) Paul Oweh, the Clan Otota of Emevor; Barr. Atikwueke Isaac, State PDP Legal Adviser; Hon. Udubra Francis, then Leader of the Isoko North Legislative Arm; and the then Commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the DESOPADEC Board. Yet, beyond the formalities, it was the raw emotion of the moment that defined the visit.

In his brief but heartfelt message, Ukodhiko extolled the virtues of the late Rose Idisi, describing her as one of the most active and dedicated women leaders in the constituency. Her sudden death, he said, came as a rude shock.
“If there was something we could have done to save her life, certainly we would have done it. But this was beyond the capacity of mere mortals,” he said, praying for the peaceful repose of her soul and strength for the family she left behind.

Moved to tears by the pitiable condition of the young children Madam Rose Idisi left behind, especially her only son, Ukodhiko made a life-changing commitment.

He announced a full academic scholarship for Master Tano, covering his education from primary school through university. It was not a campaign promise, nor a publicity stunt, but a personal intervention rooted in compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.

Three years down the line, Ukodhiko has never failed to fulfil that pledge. The young beneficiary, Master Tano, who received the scholarship while in Primary Two, is now proudly in Primary Four, with his education steadily progressing under the same scholarship support that was promised at a moment of grief.

Beyond this singular act, Ukodhiko’s commitment to education as a tool for empowerment has been consistent and far-reaching.

It will be recalled that he has also embarked on a scholarship programme for ten Isoko youths, sponsoring them to study various professional courses at Madonna University, a private institution, further underscoring his belief that investing in human capital is one of the most enduring legacies of leadership.

In Emevor, the gesture has continued to resonate far beyond the Idise family. It has reinforced a growing belief that leadership is ultimately about people, about seeing pain, responding with empathy, and transforming compassion into sustained action.

As prayers continue for the peaceful repose of Madam Rose Idisi, her legacy lives on, not only in the memories of those she served, but in the promising academic journey of her son. And in that journey, the human side of Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko stands clearly revealed.