Ukodhiko working for a lasting legacy in energy ministry ~ Truth Reporters

By IKODUDU KINGSLEY

The Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Pastor (Engr.) Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, a political technocrat, a visionary servant-leader and successful business magnate; is a refined gentleman and goal getter, whose burning passion for the development of Isoko and Delta State, is unquenchable. 

Saddled with the responsibility of manning the Delta State Ministry of Energy, by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Pastor Ukodhiko, a man known for his management of men and resources, have not rested since assumption of office as the Honorable commissioner for Energy, as the issues of epileptic power supply ranks top among the myriad of issues he had to deal with on assumption of office. 

Ukodhiko, who has held series of crucial meetings with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) officials, Delta State zone, recently met with the MD/CEO, Mrs Funke Osibodu and other top management team of the electricity company, in his office in Asaba, on his invitation, towards finding solution to the issues of epileptic power supply in Isoko and Delta State in general. 

The meeting which lasted for several hours, featured evaluation of critical issues militating against the free distribution of electricity in the state,and slide presentation of new innovations by BEDC team. 

Pastor Ukodhiko while addressing the BEDC MD and her team, said he's not happy about the poor electricity distribution in the state, he made the MD/CEO of BEDC Mrs Osibodu to understand that he's not in the Ministry to make money, but to deliver on his mandate and is therefore worrisome for his people to be paying for services they are not enjoying. 

"I know the issues are enormous, but their solutions are within our reach if we are ready to do the right thing by putting service delivery on a top scale than making money at the expense of the people, Ukodhiko added" 

He noted with dissatisfaction the continous disconnection of some areas in the state from sources of power supply, and enjoined BEDC to do everything within its powers, to restore power to those areas, adding that the issue of non payment of electricity bills by people in the rural areas, can be corrected by the provision of bulk metering system to those areas. 

The BEDC management team led by the MD/CEO, responded positively and satisfactorily, stating that the company has embarked on various projects in the state including the 132kVA line from Ughelli to Ozoro, while hoping that on completion, the projects will improve the light situation in the state. 

Present in the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr Blessing Edewor, Directors of various departments, Pastor Sunday Elueni, SA to the Commissioner, Engr Kingsley Egwerome, SA (Technical), among others.