Ukodhiko: Driving Sustainable Development In Oil-Rich Isoko Communities”

By Joel Marqinno

The Member Representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Ukodhiko Jonathan Ajirioghene’s journey into politics is a divinely orchestrated call to serve the land and it’s people. This is evidently entrenched in the resilience he embodied in the build up to the 2023 general elections, a momentum he sustained that made him emerge victorious in one of the most fiercely contested elections in history.

As a refined gentleman that he is and will always be, so were his approach in articulating his vision and plans for the Isoko people during the campaign. Today, we see his campaign promises fulfilled, as he promised in real time, through his enviable programme geared towards human capital development and interventional infrastructural projects cited across Isoko North and South federal constituency…..a move, many have applauded Hon Ukodhiko and hailed him for as a performer.

Ukodhiko has defied the odd of naysayers and moved on to outshine his critics who were indifferent about his performance as first term Representative. In one year, Hon Ukodhiko has sponsored several bills and co-sponsored others and as well moved several motions.

There were some element of few fifth columnists who claimed that Hon Ukodhiko Jonathan being a first term member will not be bringing home dividend of democracy in a hurry at the Green Chamber. They turn around to be astonished at Ukodhiko’s legislative prowess, his quality and effective representation and political maneuvering, suffice to say that constant alignment, realignment and horse trading is required to attract meaningful development from Abuja.

But they never knew Hon Ukodhiko is better equipped and fully motivated to make good laws for the country, represent his people effectively and bring home meaningful projects to the oil rich nation. In just one year Ukodhiko has silenced the critics and naysayers with his one year achievements in office…as these achievement are verifiable. Ukodhiko has shown capacity to his constituents and constituency thereby invalidating the claim that first term law makers are mere bench warmers. As he is well known and popular in the “Green Chamber” even as a first term Representative.

Ukodhiko is a beacon of hope, an emblem of unity and embodiment of resilience and purposeful leadership. As the highest PDP political office holder in Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, he is faced with the task of offering leadership to the party faithfuls, a task he has once again shown capacity by navigating all the hurdles to unite the party and manage the umbrella family of Isoko North and South.

The nature of the internal politics is volatile, one that requires craftsmanship and a servant leader approach. Ukodhiko in a bid to unite the party and make it formidable, has hosted and met with the Peoples Democratic Party L.G.A Chairmen and excos, the ward chairmen, all the councilors in Isoko North and South and various interest and support groups, mobilizing grassroot support for Governor Sheriff Oborewvori PDP-led State Government and charging them to work and unite the party as one true family, a move to strengthen and encourage the party faithfuls ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Ukodhiko came prepared to contribute his quota to the development of the oil rich nation of Isoko. He is always at the forefront fighting and pushing for the right, equity and developmental opportunity for Isoko at the Federal and State levels, he never shied away from anything that could benefit the Isoko people. Ukodhiko is committed towards Isoko development, his determination to see that members of his constituency benefit from the Federal Government ongoing interventionist programme, made him partner with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

This partnership facilitated by Hon Ukodhiko with NELFUND, a body responsible for disbursing loan to Nigeria students at tertiary institutions, will have Nigeria students of Isoko extraction in Delta State University, Oleh Campus and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, access the student’s loan with ease and become  beneficiaries of the scheme.

Hon Ukodhiko is indeed passionate towards the socio-economic advancement of Isoko North and South federal constituency, it is the reason he adopted sustainable programmes to impact the lives of the people of Isoko. He started by securing civil service and coporate jobs for Isoko youths. He has empowered a good number of business driven Isoko sons and daughters with start up funds, he has sponsored skill acquisition training with starter packs, he has a revolving monthly stipends paid to the aged and people living with disabilities, there are a good number of Isoko youths he gave scholarship to study at Mandona university, a private (University in Anambra).

There are other infrastructural projects spread across the Isoko North and South, notable among them is renovation of a block of classrooms. All of this feat, were achieved in one year!!!

Hon Ukodhiko Jonathan Ajirioghene is working hard to make a difference in the lives of his constituents and constituency. Let’s support him to do more.