Izeze said, during the presentation ceremony held at his Oginibo residence in Ughelli South, that
the initiative was to cushion hardship on the beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 200 students from the kingdom received N25,000 each while 101 small scale traders in the 34 communities of Ughievwen Kingdom got N50,000 each.
The local vigilante group received five motorcycles and Sienna bus to enhance their security patrol of the area.
READ ALSO:Messi, Miami frustrated by New York late leveler
Ughievwen Kingdom is in Ughelli South Local Government of the state while FOOSTODEY is NGO involved in humanitarian services.
Izeze said he was inspired to empower the people in view of the rising cost of living in the country.
“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.
“For us, we don’t believe that you serve in an administration for the purpose of benefiting yourself and giving the impression that your principal is frugal and nothing is happening.
“For me, I wanted my people to know that the administration of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori is working; it is touching lives and we are benefiting.
“Considering the fact that we are direct beneficiaries of the ‘system, 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.
READ ALSO:FRSC partners NDLEA to check drug sales in Anambra motor parks
“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,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari, thanked Izeze for adding to the ”MORE Agenda” of Gov. Oborevwori.
Also, the National Coordinator of FOOSTODEY, Elvis Ahior, said the group was partnering with Izeze as part of the believers of the ‘MORE Agenda’ of the governor.
Ahior represented by Patrick Erhubetine, said the negative outcome of the current economy had 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 fulfillment of the Governor’s Program.
On his part, the 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.
READ ALSO:Edo decides: Voting ends at Ighodalo’s polling unit
Also at the ceremony, President of the National Association of Delta State Students, (NADESSTU), Mr Monday Wiska, presented a certificate of commendation to the Works Commissioner.
The presentation was in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards educational development, particularly for the financial support (bursary) to students of the state.
