Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance as he commended the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, for empowering 500 beneficiaries under the FOOSTODEY Empowerment Scheme.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, spoke at Oginibo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, during the disbursement exercise where 300 women entrepreneurs and 200 elderly persons received financial support.
He praised Izeze’s consistency in uplifting his people through grassroots empowerment, assuring that his administration would continue to sustain and expand programmes targeted at improving the welfare of Deltans.
The Governor also commended women for their steadfast support, stressing that his leadership would ensure every community benefits from the dividends of democracy.
In his remarks, Comrade Izeze explained that his motivation for public service is rooted in the desire to uplift communities and support the vulnerable.
He noted that the scheme reflects Governor Oborevwori’s inclusive leadership, symbolized by his traditional title “Ukodo”, a meal associated with unity.
He said: “Supporting our people, especially small-scale entrepreneurs and the elderly, is the true essence of leadership.
“The essence of being a commissioner is not in big cars or buildings, but in the public good. This is our way of contributing to Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, and we will continue to strengthen women, youth, and students whenever the opportunity arises.”
The initiative provided financial support to 300 small-scale entrepreneurs—traders, bakers, fruit sellers, and food vendors as well as 200 elderly persons, many without family support. Izeze emphasized that empowering women has far-reaching impact, describing them as tireless campaigners and faithful voters.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, lauded Izeze as a vibrant politician who cares for those at the grassroots. Other speakers, including the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Orode Uduaghan, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon Pat Ajudua; and Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Lucky Awreromre, urged beneficiaries to invest the resources wisely.
In her welcome address, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Olorogun Stella Ogigba, explained that over 4,000 applications were screened by a 14-member committee, with 500 beneficiaries carefully selected to ensure fairness and transparency. She urged beneficiaries to see the support as a seed for growth that can inspire others.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the symbolic presentation of dummy cheques to three beneficiaries—Mrs. Ejevwentotor Currency, Elohor Atori, and Mike Vivian.
The event was attended by the 1st Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Pere of Akugbene-Mien Kingdom, HRM Pere S.P. Luke, Kalanama VIII; HRM Dr. Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom; Member Representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive represented by Chief Bunor Agbomedarho, Executive Director Projects, DESOPADEC, Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, Chief John Oguma; Chief Patrick Fovie; and Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief (Mrs.) Roseline Amioku, among others.