*HARDSHIP: Izeze, FOOSTODEY, dole out N35m for Ughelli South women, students, vigilante* ~ Truth Reporters

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, in conjunction with his allies in FOOSTODEY, have dolled out over N35 million to cushion hardship on women, students and vigilante in Ughievwen Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state. 

The initiative saw 200 students receiving N25,000 each and 101 small scale traders in the 34 communities of Ughievwen Kingdom receive N50,000 each while the local vigilante received five motorcycles and Sienna bus to enhance their security patrol in the area. 

Speaking during the presentation ceremony held at his Oginibo residence in Ughelli South, Izeze said he was inspired to empower the people in view of the rising hardship in the country. 

"Considering the nature of our constitutional federation where most of the economic policies of the federation are determined by the Federal Government, especially the skyrocketing inflation and the ripple effects that our people have been subjected to, something had to be done.

"As you know, Ughelli South is a rural local government predominantly agrarian and most of our people depend on motor vehicles that will transport their farm produce to major markets across the state. 

"However, with the recent increase in fuel prices and with the removal of fuel subsidy and the inconsistencies of Federal Government's policies had led to untold hardship on our people. 

"For us, we don't believe that you serve in an administration for the purpose of benefitting yourself and giving 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. 

"Considering the fact that we are direct beneficiaries of the 'Ukodo', there is no other way to make it go round than what we are doing now. 

"Students are going back to school and they need to be supported because school fees have increased across our campuses and prices have naturally increased. 

"The Governor has paid bursary to over 30,000 students and if I love my boss, I must make sacrifices to support him because faith without works is dead. 

"By the grace of God, he has enabled me with grace of friends from across the country who are private sector players whom I called upon and together we were able to raise over N35 million for this empowerment 

"It is something we will continue to do because 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. 

"I am fortunate to serve under a boss who not only serves as a leader but indeed is a servant-leader. 

"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 to all of us to copy from." 

While commending the Works Commissioner for the gesture, Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari, thanked Izeze for adding to the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori who recently paid bursary to over 35,000 students of Delta State origin. 

National Coordinator FOOSTODEY, Elvis Ahior, represented by Patrick Erhubetine said the group was partnering with Izeze as part of the believers of the MORE Agenda of the Governor. 

He said the negative outcome of the various economic polices from the center has left most people unable to meet up with the rising cost of living. 

He added that they were presenting motorbikes and a Sienna vehicle to enhance local vigilante services in partial fulfilment of the Governor's "Enhanced Peace and Security" plank in the MORE Agenda. 

Chairman of the occasion, Dr.  Ernest Ideh, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the massive support to the students and women of the local government. 

Also at the ceremony, President, National Association of Delta State Students, (NADESSTU), Comrade Monday Wiska, presented a certificate of commendation to Comrade Reuben Izeze in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards educational development, particularly for the financial support (bursary) to students of Delta State. 

The ceremony was attended by Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor; chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Marierie, former DESOPDEC Commissioner, Chief Kent Okiemute; Olorogun Andrew Desi; Chief Oruakpor; Barr. Joshua Yarhere, Chairman, Ughievwen Democratic Assembly, Chief James Shaguolo, among others.