Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, the representative for Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has launched an agripreneur empowerment program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and boosting local businesses within the constituency.
The program was officially introduced at the NULGE Hall, located in the Isoko North Local Government Area Secretariat in Ozoro. It is structured to provide direct assistance to 100 constituents engaged in fish farming and pig farming.
At the launch, Ukodhiko, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, was represented by Hon. Elder Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of the Isoko North Local Government Council.
The initiative is targeted at equipping agripreneurs with essential resources, skills, and financial support to expand their farming businesses and improve their livelihoods. According to Ukodhiko, 50 fish farmers will each receive 1,500 juvenile fish, six bags of fish feed, and a cash grant of ₦150,000. In addition, 40 pig farmers will be given a ₦500,000 grant each to strengthen their farming operations and increase productivity in the agricultural sector.
Ukodhiko explained that the program is not only about distributing resources but also about laying the foundation for long-term empowerment. “This is more than just another initiative,” he stated.
“It embodies my belief in the vast potential of our people and my conviction that agriculture is essential for sustainable development, food security, and prosperity. We are not just teaching our people how to earn a living today; we are equipping them to create wealth for the future.”
The program is supported by strategic partnerships with the Federal Cooperative College, Orji River, and Kinging Logistics and Automobiles Ltd. Ukodhiko highlighted that the involvement of these partners will add value to the initiative while also providing more opportunities for participants.
Training sessions have also been introduced as part of the empowerment drive. Beneficiaries will undergo capacity-building programs on fish farming, piggery management, and modern agribusiness practices. The training, designed to ensure both profitability and sustainability, is scheduled to run for three days and will continue until the end of the week.
The launch event was attended by notable figures and stakeholders across the constituency. Among them were Barr. Vote Umukoro, Secretary of the Isoko North Local Government Council; Chief Matthew Amudede, Vice Chairman of Isoko North APC; Prince Uloho Ofiobor; Prince Dennis Presley Obrogo JP; Chief Oke Abughe; Pastor Sunday Elueni; Amb. Sunday Omaduvie; Engr. Joseph Uyeri; Hon. Jerry Obi; Mrs. Joyce Egbo; Hon. Joan Omuyeh; and Amb. Oreva Efenudu.
Ukodhiko stressed that the empowerment program will create a new generation of agripreneurs who can drive innovation, generate employment, and contribute to economic growth in Isoko land.