BY PRISCA OGBO
IN a landscape where the intersections of engineering, business, philanthropy, and politics rarely produce figures of genuine impact, Hon. Jonathan Ajiroghene Oyibo Ukodhiko emerges as a remarkable exception. Born on March 25, 1975, in the tranquil village of Erawha-Owhe in Delta State’s Isoko North Local Government Area, Ukodhiko has grown from humble beginnings into a towering figure who commands respect in multiple spheres, earning himself a place not only in the political hall of fame but also in the hearts of his people.
Jonathan Ukodhiko’s journey began with his early education at Ezadhe Primary School and James Welch Grammar School in Isoko North. Like a man with a mission, he pursued his higher education in foundry engineering at Federal Polytechnic, Idah, before moving on to the University of Benin, where he bagged a degree in Production Engineering in 1998. His name soon became synonymous with excellence and innovation, as he worked for top-tier companies like Adadril Nigeria Ltd and International Oil Field Services Ltd, gaining hands-on experience in Nigeria’s lucrative oil and gas sector.
But it was in 2005, with the founding of Joeny Holdings Limited—a conglomerate spanning oil and gas, drilling, power projects, and even construction—that Ukodhiko made his mark as an astute businessman and investor. Joeny Holdings now boasts over six subsidiary companies and has a presence in more than five foreign countries. This multi-billion-naira empire would have been enough for most men, but not for Ukodhiko, whose vision was always larger than corporate boardrooms.
As his business empire expanded, so did his heart. Ukodhiko’s commitment to giving back is legendary. Through his UJA Family Foundation, he has become a beacon of hope for the less privileged. Educational scholarships, healthcare interventions, and the distribution of essential items to indigent households are just the tip of the iceberg in his philanthropic endeavors.
Under his leadership, the UJA Family Foundation has provided vital educational support to underprivileged students, ensuring that countless young minds are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. In a country where quality education is often a privilege rather than a right, Ukodhiko’s efforts stand out. He is a man driven not by the pursuit of accolades, but by the simple desire to uplift others.
Not only is Ukodhiko an engineer and philanthropist, but he is also a devout Christian and an ordained Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). His deep spiritual conviction has guided his leadership both within and beyond the pulpit. Ukodhiko has served in multiple branches of RCCG in Rivers State, building new parishes and strengthening the spiritual fabric of communities. His support for Christian organizations and his leadership within the church have only solidified his reputation as a man of faith, integrity, and action.
In 2019, the political world beckoned, and Ukodhiko answered the call, bringing his wealth of experience to the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Recognizing his leadership and capacity for governance, former Delta State Governor, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, appointed him as Commissioner for Power—a role that positioned Ukodhiko at the helm of one of the state’s most crucial ministries. His transformative policies and dynamic approach earned him praise and bolstered his standing within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In February 2023, the people of Isoko North and South rewarded his dedication by electing him as their representative in the House of Representatives. Ukodhiko wasted no time making his presence felt, passionately championing issues that resonate deeply with his constituents. From fighting to end gas flaring in the oil-rich Isoko communities to spearheading motions for the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure like the East-West Road, Ukodhiko is not just a politician—he is a true servant of the people.
Hon. Ukodhiko’s legislative achievements are nothing short of impressive. He has already introduced nine critical bills on the floor of the House of Representatives, aimed at improving education, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure in his constituency and beyond. Among these is the bill to establish the Federal Medical Centre in Oleh, Delta State, a project that would provide top-notch medical care to thousands of residents.
Other bills include the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Erawha-Owhe and the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Owhelogbo—key initiatives that will drastically improve education and create jobs in Delta State. His commitment to nurturing future generations through education is unwavering.
One of his most groundbreaking bills aims to amend the Constitution to synchronize federal and state elections, a move that could revolutionize Nigeria’s electoral process by reducing costs and improving voter turnout.
Ukodhiko’s deep-seated commitment to his constituency goes beyond legislative accomplishments. He has ensured that Isoko North and South benefit from over N600 million worth of capital projects in the 2024 budget, including solar-powered streetlights, medical equipment for primary healthcare centers, and skill acquisition programs for women and youth. His efforts to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for his people are already bearing fruit.
Ukodhiko’s focus on skill acquisition and vocational training for young people is particularly noteworthy. With millions of unemployed youths in Nigeria, his initiatives in Delta State are creating a blueprint for sustainable development. Over 150 young people have already benefited from specialized training in agriculture and entrepreneurship, while many more will receive similar opportunities in the coming years.
His projects also include the construction of classrooms and the provision of school desks to government schools, demonstrating his relentless drive to improve the educational infrastructure in his constituency.
Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko embodies the very best of what a modern Nigerian politician should be—dynamic, innovative, compassionate, and utterly devoted to his people. His remarkable journey from the oil fields to the corridors of power has been fueled by a desire to leave a lasting legacy of development and empowerment.
As he continues to work tirelessly for his people, Ukodhiko remains a shining example of leadership, a man whose name is now synonymous with progress in Delta State. Whether through his humanitarian initiatives, his business empire, or his political efforts, one thing is certain: Jonathan Ukodhiko is a man on a mission to change lives, one project, one bill, and one good deed at a time.
