By Nelson Egware
The Trans-African Youth Development Initiative (TAYI), has conferred the Nelson Mandela "Africa Patriot Award of Excellence" on Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze for his visionary leadership and contributions to nation building.
The award, which recognizes Izeze as an African Patriotic Leader, was presented in Asaba on Monday.
The group described the commissioner as a “golden fish with no hidden habitat,” whose visionary leadership and commitment to humanity have distinguished him among African public office holders.
In his address, TAYI's country representative in Nigeria, Amb. Bakare Luqman, said the organization, which represents the voices of 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth, closely monitors the contributions of public office holders and honors those who positively impact their communities.
He praised Izeze’s role in ensuring adequate security, promoting community development, upholding the rule of law, advancing education, empowering youths, and fostering religious tolerance.
“Sir, you have demonstrated indelible commitment to the transformation of good governance in Nigeria through your office and selfless service to humanity,” Luqman said, noting that Izeze’s work aligns with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added that Izeze’s dedication to youth emancipation and nation-building has earned him respect across Africa. “Indeed, the recipient has won the heart of African youths by his conduct and credentials as a distinguished leader, dogged fighter, bastion of hope and a statesman par excellence,” Luqman stated.
The ceremony also served as a platform for TAYI to highlight its forthcoming continental conference themed “A Holistic Approach to Quality Assurance in African Higher Educational Institutions, Pragmatic Interventions by Supply and Demand Actors.”
The summit, scheduled for September 11–13 in Kigali, Rwanda, will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to chart pathways for educational development.
TAYI further called on governments, entrepreneurs, and public office holders to support its initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and peacebuilding.
Concluding the ceremony, Luqman expressed hope that the recognition bestowed on Izeze would inspire other leaders to emulate his people-centered approach to governance and national development.
Responding, Comrade Izeze expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to God, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the supportive people of Delta State.
He described the honor as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it would serve as a call to even greater service. “This award is not just about me; it is about the vision we share as a people, that governance must be about the people, their well-being, and their future,” Izeze said.
The commissioner praised TAYI for its steadfast commitment to youth development across the continent, commending its programs that tackle social ills, promote education, and empower young people with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
“This recognition is a reminder that the work we do in public office is constantly being observed, measured, and evaluated. It challenges me to redouble my efforts in ensuring that our roads and infrastructure projects translate to real opportunities for our people, particularly the youths who are the heartbeat of our nation,” he added.
Izeze further assured that he would continue to work in alignment with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, which emphasizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
He called on Nigerian youths to remain committed to the values of patriotism, integrity, and hard work, urging them to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its young people. If we channel our energy positively, there is no limit to what we can achieve as a continent,” he said.
The commissioner concluded by dedicating the award to God, Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans whose resilience, faith, and support make the work of governance not only possible but impactful,” assuring them that the recognition would only strengthen his resolve to deliver on his mandate.
