Erawha-Owhe, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, January 25, 2026 – The Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, held a crucial engagement with President Generals (PGs) of communities in the Owhe Clan on Saturday at his country home in Erawha-Owhe. The meeting focused on addressing pressing community development challenges, particularly the ongoing electricity infrastructure upgrade, while reinforcing the importance of peace, unity, and collective responsibility in safeguarding public assets.
Rep. Ukodhiko, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, welcomed the PGs warmly, thanking them for responding promptly to his invitation despite the short notice. He expressed deep appreciation for their longstanding support and loyalty, which he credited as foundational to his ability to deliver impactful interventions in the constituency. The lawmaker specifically congratulated Hon. Herbert Erah on his recent election as President General of Akiewhe Community, wishing him a tenure marked by progress, inclusivity, and positive impact on his people.
In his address, Rep. Ukodhiko charged the PGs to continue serving as effective custodians of their respective communities. He emphasized the need to foster peace, especially among the youth, and to promote unity across the entire Owhe Clan. "Peace, cooperation, and collective responsibility are indispensable to grassroots development," he stated, underscoring that harmonious environments enable sustainable growth, attract investments, and facilitate government interventions. He called on leaders to mediate conflicts proactively, discourage divisive tendencies, and encourage collaborative efforts that benefit all residents.
A major portion of the discussion centered on the status of the ongoing power infrastructure upgrade in the Owhe Clan. Rep. Ukodhiko expressed concern over delays by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in energizing and commissioning the upgraded 33kV power line that serves the area. He criticized the company's insistence on settling substantial electricity arrears from communities that have endured prolonged irregular and inadequate power supply, describing such demands as unfair and potentially politicized. The federal lawmaker assured the PGs of his unwavering commitment to resolving these bottlenecks, pledging to engage relevant stakeholders—including BEDC management and regulatory bodies—to ensure the project reaches completion without further unnecessary delays.
He also strongly condemned instances of vandalism targeting newly installed 33kVA transformers in the clan, labeling such acts as sabotage against community progress. Rep. Ukodhiko appealed to the PGs and community leaders to take full ownership of government-provided facilities by enhancing local vigilance and reporting suspicious activities promptly. "These assets belong to the people and are meant to serve everyone; protecting them is a shared duty," he stressed.
On the related issue of solar street lighting, the lawmaker explained that while some communities in Owhe have already benefited, others awaiting installation should remain patient. He revealed that plans are advanced for deploying over 1,700 additional all-in-one solar streetlight units across Isoko land to ensure equitable distribution and comprehensive coverage. This initiative, part of his broader constituency empowerment programs, aims to improve nighttime security, reduce crime, and enhance economic activities in rural areas.
Dr. Israel Adaigho, leader of the Owhe PGs Forum, spoke on behalf of the group, commending Rep. Ukodhiko for his consistent, people-centered interventions. He highlighted tangible achievements, including transformer upgrades, provision of scholarships to indigent students, deployment of solar streetlights, donation of hospital equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Owhe water reticulation system. These efforts, Dr. Adaigho noted, have significantly improved living standards and demonstrated the lawmaker's dedication to holistic development.
The PGs leader presented specific requests: additional transformers for Otie, Enuru, and Otor-Owhe communities to address persistent shortages; installation of solar streetlights at transformer sites to deter vandalism through better illumination; and stipends to support community vigilante groups in maintaining security and protecting infrastructure.
In closing, Rep. Ukodhiko shared positive news on telecommunications improvements, disclosing that MTN would soon commence installation of a multi-service mast in Erawha-Owhe. This project is expected to resolve chronic network challenges affecting Otor-Igho and surrounding areas, boosting connectivity, digital access, and economic opportunities.
The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with participants renewing their commitment to peace, community development, and sustained collaboration between elected representatives and traditional leaders. Dignitaries in attendance included community elders, youth representatives, and local stakeholders, reflecting broad-based participation.
Rep. Ukodhiko's engagement in Owhe Clan aligns with his established record of constituency service since assuming office. As a former Delta State Commissioner for Energy, he has long advocated for improved power supply, including motions in the National Assembly urging oil and gas firms to channel flared gas toward electricity generation in Isoko communities. His interventions have also included facilitating federal grants, skills training, medical outreaches, and infrastructure projects under the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
In Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, such stakeholder meetings are vital for bridging gaps between government and grassroots levels, ensuring projects address real needs while fostering ownership and accountability. With ongoing federal and state efforts to enhance electricity access in the Niger Delta, Rep. Ukodhiko's assurances signal continued momentum toward reliable power, better security, and equitable development for Owhe Clan residents.
