Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, on Sunday said he left the comfort and security of the oil and gas industry to join public service with the goal of empowering his people.
Speaking at his hometown of Oginibo during the presentation of bursary awards to 301 students of Ughelli South origin, currently in various institutions of higher learning, Izeze said he was inspired to leave a lucrative position at ExxonMobil to serve the people.
Izeze who also donated two motorcycles and a generator worth millions of naira to three other beneficiaries at the ceremony 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.”
Reflecting on his time in the Delta State House of Assembly, he 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’re 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.”
Izeze announced that each student would receive N30,000 as part of the bursary initiative, which he said was done in collaboration with FOOSTODEY, an organization made up of his friends and former professional colleagues.
“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 Governor 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 criticized 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.”
Chairman of the occasion, Professor 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 Deltans to emulate this noble gesture.”
The Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, in his remarks, cited the initiative as 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 Comrade Izeze and thanking him for this support.”
The monarch 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 Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Earlier, Dr. Peter Omoko, Chairman of the Bursary Committee, said that last year, the scheme supported 200 students from the Ughievwen Kingdom. He commended Comrade Reuben Izeze for approving an increase to 301 beneficiaries, now covering the entire Ughelli South.
Other dignitaries at the event, including Hon. Festus Utuama (Member representing Ughelli South in the State House of Assembly), Professor Nyerowho Tonukari (Commissioner for Higher Education), Chief Fred Majemite, Chief Emuobo Gbagi, and Dr. Ezekiel Okoh (Executive Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs) all lauded Izeze for the impactful gesture.
Member Representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive and Chairman Ughelli South Local Government Council, Dr. Lucky Avweromre who were represented at the ceremony also encouraged the students to remain focused and inspired by the bursary award.
Also at the ceremony, Chief Fred Majemite gave N300,000 to support the motorcycles and generator beneficiaries, while Hon. Festus Utuama gave N500,000 to support FOOSTODEY which was immediately distributed to the students that were physically present.
