..Distributes Over N15 Million in Bursaries to Students
By Sunday Apah
Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, revealed on Sunday that he left his stable and lucrative job in the oil and gas sector to pursue a career in public service with the aim of uplifting his community.
While addressing attendees in his hometown of Oginibo during a ceremony to award bursaries to 301 students from Ughelli South attending various higher education institutions, Izeze shared his motivation for departing from ExxonMobil to serve the public.
At the event, Izeze also donated two motorcycles and a generator valued at millions of naira to three additional beneficiaries, stating, “If it were solely my decision, I would have preferred that all 301 recipients remain on their campuses and receive their bursary notifications there. However, our committee decided to invite only those whose institutions are situated within Delta State and close to Ughelli South.”
Reflecting on his experience in the Delta State House of Assembly, Izeze noted, “During my eight years in the legislature, I discovered that assisting people discreetly often led to misunderstandings. There’s a prevalent belief that anyone in public office is solely interested in financial gain, leading to a perception that support provided is an entitlement rather than a privilege. Consequently, assistance is seldom appreciated unless made public.”
He announced that each student would receive N30,000 through this bursary program, done in collaboration with FOOSTODEY, a group of his friends and former colleagues.
“I have been fortunate to have wonderful friends throughout my political journey, many of whom are childhood acquaintances and former coworkers. They have actively supported any cause I have championed, even if they cannot be present due to personal commitments. I sincerely thank them and pray for their continued blessings.”
Izeze expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former state governors for the opportunities afforded to him in his various roles.
“By the grace of God—Jehovah, Allah SWT, and the kindness of a genuinely good-hearted individual, I have had the privilege of serving the community. But let me emphasize: if something does not serve the public good, I want no part in it. The income and allowances we receive in office are a result of someone’s generosity in appointing us; we cannot rely solely on the governor to handle everything, as he is already overwhelmed. Instead of fantasizing about vacations in places like Los Angeles, we must remember the students needing our support.”
Izeze condemned the mindset of those who view public service as merely a means to escape poverty.
“Some individuals pursue public office primarily focused on their personal gain. When their expectations aren’t fulfilled, they complain. However, when I left ExxonMobil nearly 20 years ago, my sole intention was to make a positive impact on my community. Remaining in ExxonMobil until retirement wouldn’t have allowed me to assist my people—this is why I chose to leave the oil and gas industry for public service.”
Professor Godwin Darah, the event’s chairman, applauded the bursary initiative and commended Izeze’s strong commitment to education.
“We gather here in Oginibo, a hub of modern knowledge, to recognize a commendable effort to assist local students. We convened last year, and I hope we will do so again next year. I encourage other well-intentioned Urhobos and Deltans to follow this exemplary action.”
HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, remarked that the initiative exemplifies righteous leadership.
“This reflects the biblical principle that when just leaders are in power, the people rejoice. To the students, take your studies seriously—education is not a scam. Strive to maintain or improve your CGPA and make us proud. Let us continue praying for Comrade Izeze and expressing our gratitude for this support.”
The monarch further called for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Ughelli South, urging the Commissioner for Higher Education to present the proposal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Earlier, Dr. Peter Omoko, Chair of the Bursary Committee, noted that last year, the program supported 200 students from the Ughievwen Kingdom, and he praised Izeze for increasing the number of beneficiaries to 301 to encompass the entire Ughelli South region.
Prominent attendees, 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 Student Affairs), commended Izeze for this impactful initiative.
Hon. Francis Waive (Member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency) and Dr. Lucky Avweromre (Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council), also represented at the ceremony, encouraged students to remain focused and inspired by the bursary awards.
Also, Chief Fred Majemite contributed N300,000 to support the beneficiaries receiving motorcycles and a generator, while Hon. Festus Utuama donated N500,000 for FOOSTODEY, which was promptly distributed to students present at the event.
