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 the 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 Local Government Area, studying 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 that “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.
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“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 benefiting student will 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,” the commissioner said.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governors of the state for giving him opportunities to serve in various capacities.
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,” he added.
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 Deltans to emulate this noble gesture,” Prof. Darah challenged.
The Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, in his remarks, cited the initiative as a reflection of righteous leadership.
