Power Upgrade: Ukodhiko Engages Owhe Clan PGs, Gives Completion Assurance

…Urges Protection of Public Assets

The Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has met with President Generals (PGs) of communities in Owhe Clan, assuring them of the timely completion of the ongoing power infrastructure upgrade in the area.

The meeting, which held on Saturday at the lawmaker’s country home in Erawha-Owhe, provided an opportunity for engagement on pressing community development issues and strategies for sustaining peace and protecting public facilities.

Rep. Ukodhiko thanked the PGs for honouring his invitation at short notice and appreciated their continued support over the years.

He also congratulated the newly elected President General of Akiewhe Community, Hon. Herbert Erah, and wished him a successful and impactful tenure.

Charging the PGs to remain effective custodians of their communities, the federal lawmaker urged them to promote peace, particularly among youths, and to strengthen unity across the Owhe Clan.

He stressed that peace, cooperation and collective responsibility are indispensable to grassroots development.

Briefing the leaders on the status of the ongoing electricity upgrade, Rep. Ukodhiko, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, expressed concern over delays by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in energising and commissioning the upgraded 33kV power line serving the clan.

He criticised the demand for huge electricity arrears from communities that have suffered prolonged irregular power supply, insisting that development issues should not be politicised.

The lawmaker assured the PGs that he remains committed to resolving the power challenges and that the upgrade would be completed soon.

He also condemned the vandalism of newly installed 33kVA transformers within the clan and appealed to community leaders to take ownership of government facilities by ensuring their protection.

On solar street lighting, Rep. Ukodhiko explained that communities yet to benefit should exercise patience, noting that over 1,700 additional solar streetlight units would soon be deployed across Isoko land to guarantee fairness and equitable distribution.

Speaking on behalf of the Owhe PGs, the leader of the Owhe PGs Forum, Dr. Israel Adaigho, commended Rep. Ukodhiko for his people-centred interventions, including transformer upgrades, scholarships, solar streetlights, hospital equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Owhe water reticulation system.

Dr. Adaigho appealed for the provision of additional transformers for Otie, Enuru and Otor-Owhe communities.

He also requested the installation of solar streetlights at transformer locations to deter vandalism, as well as stipends to support community vigilante groups.

In his closing remarks, Rep. Ukodhiko disclosed that MTN would soon commence the installation of a multi-service telecommunications mast in Erawha-Owhe, a development expected to resolve persistent network challenges affecting Otor-Igho and neighbouring communities.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with renewed commitment to peace, community development and sustained collaboration among stakeholders in Owhe Clan.