…urges community leaders to safeguard public assets
The Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has met with President Generals (PGs) of communities in Owhe Clan, reassuring them of the timely completion of the ongoing electricity infrastructure upgrade in the area.
The engagement, held on Saturday at the lawmaker’s country home in Erawha-Owhe, served as a platform to deliberate on critical community development concerns, peacebuilding, and the protection of public infrastructure.
Rep. Ukodhiko expressed appreciation to the PGs for honouring his invitation at short notice and thanked them for their sustained support over the years.
He also congratulated the newly elected President General of Akiewhe Community, Hon. Herbert Erah, wishing him a successful and impactful tenure.
Urging the community leaders to continue to act as responsible custodians of their respective communities, the federal lawmaker emphasized the need to promote peace—particularly among youths—and to deepen unity across Owhe Clan.
He noted that peace, cooperation, and collective responsibility remain essential pillars for sustainable grassroots development.
Providing an update on the ongoing electricity upgrade, Rep. Ukodhiko, who also serves as 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 substantial electricity arrears from communities that have endured prolonged periods of irregular power supply, stressing that developmental challenges should not be politicised.
He assured the PGs of his continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to resolve the power issues and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the completion of the project in the shortest possible time.
The lawmaker also condemned the vandalism of newly installed 33kVA transformers within the clan and appealed to community leaders to take collective ownership of government facilities by ensuring their protection and proper use.
On solar street lighting, Rep. Ukodhiko explained that communities yet to benefit should remain patient, disclosing that over 1,700 additional solar streetlight units would soon be deployed across Isoko land to promote fairness and equitable distribution.
Speaking on behalf of the Owhe Clan PGs, the Chairman of the Owhe PGs Forum, Dr. Israel Adaigho, commended Rep.
Ukodhiko for his people-oriented interventions, including transformer upgrades, scholarship schemes, solar streetlight installations, provision of hospital equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Owhe water reticulation system.
Dr. Adaigho appealed for additional transformers for Otie, Enuru, and Otor-Owhe communities, the installation of solar streetlights at transformer locations to deter vandalism, and the provision of 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 significantly improve network coverage in Otor-Igho and neighbouring communities.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to peace, community development, and sustained collaboration for the overall progress of Owhe Clan.
