Member representing Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has urged women in Delta State to increase their participation in politics and pursue sustainable economic opportunities as a means of strengthening their livelihoods.
Ukodhiko made the call when he received a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) female youth coordinators at his residence in Erawha-Owhe, Isoko South Local Ukodhiko, has urged women in Delta State to increase their participation in politicsGovernment Area of Delta State.
Ukodhiko, who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in May 2025, has previously spoken publicly about greater youth participation in governance.
Key Highlights
- Ukodhiko urged women to take a more active role in politics and governance.
- He encouraged women to pursue sustainable businesses and practical skills.
- The lawmaker hosted APC female youth coordinators from Delta South and Isoko.
- The delegation was led by APC Female Youth Coordinator for Delta South Senatorial District, Chief Mrs Fome Ethe.
- The group said it has grassroots structures across Isoko North and South.
- The delegation highlighted community initiatives, including sanitary-pad distribution in rural areas.
- Ukodhiko discussed the connection between voting decisions and government policies.
- He spoke about fuel subsidy removal and its implications for government revenue.
- The lawmaker also discussed NELFUND, infrastructure, electricity and security reforms.
- He urged women to focus on economic activities that can provide sustainable income.
Ukodhiko Calls for Greater Women’s Political Participation
Speaking during the meeting, Ukodhiko stressed the importance of citizens understanding the relationship between their votes and government decisions.
He said political choices can affect areas such as employment, education, businesses, infrastructure and access to essential services.
The lawmaker urged constituents, particularly women and young people, to pay attention to governance and assess the capacity of candidates seeking their votes.
His comments are consistent with his earlier advocacy for increased youth participation in governance and politics.
APC Female Youth Coordinators Highlight Grassroots Activities
Earlier, the delegation, led by Chief Mrs Fome Ethe, briefed Ukodhiko on its activities and grassroots structure.
The delegation included the APC female youth coordinator for Isoko South, Mrs Oghale Stella, the Isoko North coordinator and other ward leaders.
Ethe said the group operates through 24 ward coordinators, with representatives at polling-unit level across Isoko North and South.
She said the structure had been retained following the group’s movement to the APC and that members were focused on grassroots mobilisation and community outreach.
According to her, the group has also engaged young women through house-to-house visits and community-based initiatives, including the distribution of sanitary pads in rural communities.
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Ukodhiko Links Political Participation to Economic Opportunities
Ukodhiko said greater political participation should go alongside efforts to improve women’s economic independence.
He urged the female coordinators to develop sustainable businesses, acquire practical skills and take advantage of available opportunities.
The lawmaker said he was willing to consider initiatives that could support productive economic activities.
He stressed that women should be empowered to generate sustainable income rather than depend solely on occasional financial assistance.
Ukodhiko Discusses Fuel Subsidy Removal and State Revenue
The lawmaker also discussed the Federal Government’s removal of the petrol subsidy and its implications for government finances.
According to Ukodhiko, the policy has increased resources available to state governments.
He also commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over what he described as prudent financial management, particularly in the areas of debt repayment and infrastructure development.
The comments represent Ukodhiko’s assessment of the state’s financial management and should be viewed as his stated position.
Lawmaker Highlights NELFUND Student Loans
Ukodhiko also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), particularly its interest-free loans for eligible students.
He said the programme could reduce the financial burden on students and their families while expanding access to tertiary education for people from less privileged backgrounds.
According to the lawmaker, education financing remains an important component of efforts to improve opportunities for young Nigerians.
Ukodhiko Mentions Major Federal Infrastructure Projects
On infrastructure, Ukodhiko cited the Benin-Warri Road and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway among major federal projects.
He also discussed the use of reinforced concrete construction on some highways, saying the method could improve road durability and reduce the frequency of repairs.
The lawmaker linked infrastructure development to broader economic opportunities and improved connectivity.
Lawmaker Advocates Regional Development and Fiscal Reforms
Ukodhiko also spoke about regional development commissions, fiscal reforms and proposals for greater resource control.
He argued that greater regional responsibility and access to locally generated resources could create additional opportunities for economic development.
His comments formed part of a wider discussion about Nigeria’s federal structure, resource management and development responsibilities.
Ukodhiko Supports State Police Proposal
On insecurity, Ukodhiko said the proposed establishment of state police could strengthen local intelligence gathering and bring security operations closer to communities.
He argued that decentralised policing could enable authorities to respond more effectively to security challenges specific to individual states.
The proposal for state police remains part of the wider national debate over policing and security administration in Nigeria.
Ukodhiko Speaks on Electricity Challenges in Isoko
Addressing electricity challenges in Isoko, the lawmaker referred to Federal Government efforts involving Siemens to upgrade Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure.
He said improvements in power generation and transmission, alongside reforms in electricity distribution, would be necessary to achieve more reliable electricity supply.
Ukodhiko said improved power supply would also support businesses and economic activities across communities.
Women Urged to Pursue Sustainable Businesses
The meeting ended with a renewed emphasis on women’s economic empowerment.
Ukodhiko urged the female coordinators to move beyond dependence on occasional assistance by developing businesses and acquiring practical skills capable of generating sustainable income.
The engagement also highlighted the role of women and young people in grassroots political participation and community development across Isoko North and South.
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