The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has been honoured with the prestigious "Due Process Award" by the Delta State Public Procurement Commission in recognition of his outstanding commitment to transparency, accountability and strict compliance with public procurement regulations in the state.
The award was presented to the commissioner on Wednesday during a two-day Public Procurement and Enlightenment Workshop organised for members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Presenting the award, Chairman of the Delta State Public Procurement Commission, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police and legal practitioner, Barrister David Igbodo, described Izeze as "Mr. Due Process," noting that he had distinguished himself through his unwavering adherence to the provisions of the Delta State Public Procurement Law, 2020.
According to Igbodo, the commissioner was carefully selected for the honour because of his dedication to institutional excellence and his insistence on ensuring that procurement processes under his ministry conform strictly to established laws and regulations.
In his welcome address at the workshop, the commission chairman said the event underscored the Delta State Government's commitment to strengthening procurement governance through continuous capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
"This workshop reflects the unwavering commitment of the Delta State Government to institutional excellence, transparency, accountability and strict compliance with the Delta State Public Procurement Law of 2020.
"It is another demonstration of government's resolve to strengthen procurement governance through continuous capacity building and stakeholders engagement," he said.
Igbodo commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the leadership needed to entrench due process in governance, stressing that the administration had consistently demonstrated that compliance with procurement laws was not merely a legal obligation but a critical tool for achieving effective and responsible governance.
"Governor Oborevwori's leadership has continued to give practical expression to the principles embodied in the procurement law.
"His administration has consistently demonstrated that compliance with due process is not merely a statutory requirement but an essential instrument for achieving good governance. Consequently, the state has witnessed the execution of high-quality projects that deliver value for money and stand the test of time.
"Indeed, the impressive progress being recorded in the implementation of the MORE Agenda is closely connected to this commitment to due process by ensuring that only the most qualified contractors undertake public projects," Igbodo added.
Responding after receiving the award, Comrade Izeze expressed gratitude to the Delta State Public Procurement Commission for the recognition and dedicated the honour to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State.
The commissioner said the award was a reflection of the governor's commitment to accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources, noting that the administration's insistence on due process had become a major factor behind the successful delivery of quality infrastructure projects across the state.
He remarked that every road, bridge and urban renewal project executed under the Ministry of Works was guided by established procurement procedures designed to guarantee value for money and ensure that public funds were utilised in the best interest of the people.
Izeze assured Deltans that the recognition would further motivate him and his team to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and compliance in the discharge of their responsibilities.
"This award belongs first to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose leadership has made due process a cornerstone of governance in Delta State. It also belongs to the good people of Delta State who have entrusted us with the responsibility of managing public resources for their benefit.
"We will continue to ensure that every project undertaken by the ministry is guided by transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the procurement law. Our goal remains to deliver durable infrastructure that meets the aspirations of our people and supports the development objectives of the MORE Agenda.
"This recognition is not an endpoint but a challenge for us to do even more. We will remain committed to protecting the public interest, promoting value for money and ensuring that government projects are executed in line with global best practices for the benefit of present and future generations of Deltans," Izeze stated.
