Ukodhiko Launches Fresh Youth, Women Skills Programme In Isoko
Lawmaker Flags Off New Phase of Skills Development Programme
THE Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has launched another round of his Youth and Women Empowerment Programme, focusing on cufflinks, stud, and bead making.
The initiative, which forms part of his constituency development agenda, was flagged off on Tuesday 10 February 2026, at the NULGE Hall in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, and Hammdes Nigeria Limited, with the aim of equipping participants with practical and income-generating skills.
Representation at the Flag-Off
The ceremony was performed on behalf of Rep. Ukodhiko by the Pioneer Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro. He was represented by his Special Adviser, Deacon Nathaniel Oromena Oki.
Speaking at the event, Okoro described the initiative as a strategic and thoughtful intervention designed to promote self-reliance among youths and women in the constituency.
He noted that skill acquisition remains a critical pathway to economic empowerment, particularly in communities where formal employment opportunities are limited.
“This programme is not only timely but practical. It provides participants with rare but marketable skills capable of improving their socio-economic status,” he said.
Focus on Sustainable Livelihoods
According to organisers, the training is structured to ensure hands-on engagement and long-term sustainability. Participants are expected to acquire skills in cufflinks and stud production, as well as bead making—crafts that have growing demand in fashion and accessories markets.
Okoro urged beneficiaries to approach the training with seriousness and commitment, stressing that the programme should not be viewed merely as an avenue to access the business support grants expected at the end of the exercise.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would not only create self-employment opportunities but also stimulate small-scale enterprise growth within the local economy.
Technical Support and Hands-On Training
The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Felix Abrakasa, Managing Director of Lebanon Resources and Youth Development on Craft, who led participants through practical demonstrations on cufflinks and stud production.
Supervisors from PRODA, Mr. Madubuike Paul and Mr. Ihedigbo Stanley, were also present to monitor and support the training process.
They commended the participants for their discipline and orderly conduct, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity and apply the skills beyond the duration of the programme.
Commitment to Constituency Development
Rep. Ukodhiko’s empowerment initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance economic participation among young people and women in Isoko communities.
Observers note that constituency-based skill acquisition programmes have increasingly become tools for grassroots economic stimulation, particularly where access to formal jobs remains constrained.
With this latest phase, stakeholders say the lawmaker has reinforced his commitment to practical empowerment strategies that move beyond rhetoric to measurable capacity building.
Organisers expressed confidence that beneficiaries will emerge better equipped to establish small businesses, contribute to household income, and serve as catalysts for local enterprise development.
