The Delta Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, has presented
bursary awards to 301 students of Ughelli South origin, currently in various institutions of higher learning.
The presentation of cheque to the beneficiaries took place at Oginibo in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State on Monday.
Izeze announced that each student would receive N30,000 as part of the bursary initiative.
Izeze also donated two motorcycles and a generator worth millions of naira to three other beneficiaries at the ceremony.
He added that the initiative was done in collaboration with FOOSTODEY, an organisation made up of his friends and former professional colleagues.
He said, “If it were up to me, I would have preferred that all 301 recipients stay on their campuses and receive their bursary alerts there.
“However, the committee agreed to invite only those whose institutions are located within Delta State and close to Ughelli South.”
Izeze reflecting on his time as a lawmaker at the State House of Assembly, said: “Over my eight years in the House, I learned that supporting people quietly, without publicity, often led to misconceptions.
”There is this widespread notion that once you’re in public office, you are stealing money, so any assistance you give is seen as a right, not a privilege.
”As a result, people don’t appreciate it unless it is made public.”
On why he left ExxonMobil for politics, the commissioner disclosed that he was inspired to leave a lucrative position at ExxonMobil to serve the people.
“Throughout my political journey, I have been blessed with incredible friends, many of them childhood friends and ex-colleagues.
”They have always supported any cause I commit myself to, even if they can’t physically be here due to their own work obligations.
”I thank you all deeply and pray God continues to bless you.”
He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and former governors of the state for giving him opportunities to serve in various capacities.
“By the grace of Almighty God Jehovah, Allah SWT and the benevolence of a man with a truly good heart, I have been able to serve the people.
”But let me be clear: if something is not in the public interest, count me out. I don’t want it.
”Whatever income or allowances we receive in office, it’s only possible because someone was kind enough to appoint us.
”We cannot sit back and expect the governor to do everything, he is already overburdened. Instead of dreaming of vacations in Los Angeles, we must remember the students in need of support.”
Izeze criticised those who see public service as a means to escape poverty.
“Some people enter public office only thinking of what they can take. When their expectations aren’t met, they grumble.
”But when I left ExxonMobil nearly 20 years ago, I had one purpose in mind: how to impact my people.
‘: If I had remained in ExxonMobil until retirement, how would I have helped my people? That is why I left the comfort of the oil and gas industry to make a difference.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Godwin Darah, praised the bursary initiative and commended Izeze’s bold and radical commitment to education.
“We are gathered here in Oginibo, the citadel of modern knowledge, to celebrate a noble effort to support students from Ughelli South.
‘:We were here last year, and I hope we gather again next year. I urge other well-meaning Urhobos and people of Delta to emulate this noble gesture.”
On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Ughievwen kingdom, in Ughelli South, King Matthew Egbi, the Owahwa II, in his remarks, noted that the initiative was a reflection of righteous leadership.
“This aligns with the biblical principle that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. To the beneficiaries, take your studies seriously.
”School is not a scam. Maintain or improve your CGPA and make us proud. Let us keep praying for Izeze and thanking him for this support.”
The traditional ruler also made a passionate call for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Ughelli South, urging the Commissioner for Higher Education to present the matter to the State Governor.
Earlier, Dr. Peter Omoko, Chairman of the Bursary Committee, said that last year, the scheme supported 200 students from the Ughievwen Kingdom.
He commended Izeze for approving an increase to 301 beneficiaries, now covering the entire Ughelli South.
