UGHELLI/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, alongside his allies in the Forum of Stakeholders in Ughievwen (FOOSTODEY), has allocated over N35 million to support women, students, and local vigilantes in the Ughievwen Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The initiative benefitted 200 students, each receiving N25,000, while 101 small-scale traders across the 34 communities were awarded N50,000 each. Additionally, the local vigilante was provided with five motorcycles and a Sienna bus to enhance their security patrols in the area.
During the presentation ceremony at his residence in Oginibo, Ughelli South, Izeze expressed his commitment to empowering the community amid escalating hardships facing residents. He cited the influence of federal economic policies, especially the recent fuel price hikes and subsidy removals, which have compounded the struggles of local farmers who rely on transportation for their produce.
Izeze stated, “As you know, Ughelli South is a rural local government predominantly agrarian, and most of our people depend on motor vehicles to transport their farm produce to major markets across the state. The recent increases in fuel prices and the inconsistencies of federal policies have led to untold hardship on our people.”
Highlighting his dedication to public service, Izeze remarked, “We don’t believe that you serve in an administration for the purpose of benefiting yourself and giving the impression that your principal is frugal and nothing is happening. For me, I wanted my people to know that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working; it is touching lives, and we are benefitting.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting students as they return to school amidst rising fees and living costs, noting that Governor Oborevwori has already provided bursaries to over 30,000 students. “If I love my boss, I must make sacrifices to support him because faith without works is dead,” he added, crediting private sector partners for their contributions to the N35 million raised for this empowerment initiative.
Izeze reaffirmed his commitment to continuing such support, stating, “For those that have followed our history, it is something we have done in the past. We will continue to do it because we believe that the essence of being in public office is to drive the development of the communities and our people.”
He expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his leadership, noting, “Whatever you see that has happened here today has happened by the grace of Almighty God and the benevolence of Governor Oborevwori, who has indeed shown leadership for all of us to emulate.”
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari, commended Izeze for his initiative, emphasizing its alignment with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which includes providing financial support to students.
Elvis Ahior, the National Coordinator of FOOSTODEY, represented by Patrick Erhubetine, highlighted the group’s partnership with Izeze to mitigate the adverse effects of national economic policies on the community. He remarked that the donation of motorbikes and a Sienna vehicle would enhance local vigilante services, supporting the governor’s “Enhanced Peace and Security” initiative within the MORE Agenda.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ernest Ideh, expressed appreciation for Izeze’s significant contributions to students and women in the local government.
The event also featured a certificate of commendation presented to Comrade Izeze by Comrade Monday Wiska, President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to educational development.
The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries, including Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, Commissioner for Oil and Gas; Hon. Samuel Marierie, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Chief Kent Okiem, former DESOPDEC Commissioner; and other prominent figures from the community.
