Delta State Commissioner Reuben Izeze wins prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa prize for Excellence

Honourable Reuben Izeze, Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), has been awarded the highly coveted Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence, a pan-African accolade celebrating transformational leadership and outstanding contributions to socio-economic and infrastructural development.

The award was conferred during the 2025 Grow Africa Leadership Summit held in Accra, Ghana—a premier continental event that spotlights trailblazing individuals who have advanced Africa’s growth through innovation, governance, and public service.

Izeze emerged as this year’s laureate following a rigorous selection process involving nominations and assessments by prominent leaders from across the continent.

In a formal presentation ceremony held at the Delta State Ministry of Works in Asaba, Comrade Uzim Temple, President of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative, handed over the award plaque to Commissioner Izeze.

Temple lauded the Commissioner’s track record in steering transformative infrastructure projects and his unwavering commitment to sustainable governance and youth empowerment.

“We recognize Honourable Izeze for his visionary leadership and practical achievements in road infrastructure, transparent project management, and public works programs that have notably engaged and empowered young people,” Temple said. “His leadership style—anchored in integrity, inclusion, and service—exemplifies the values that this award seeks to promote.”

The Grow Africa team highlighted several key milestones in Izeze’s public service journey, including expansive road network development, streamlined project execution frameworks, and policies that create employment through construction and maintenance initiatives.

They also acknowledged his promotion of educational opportunities through bursary programs and his principled stand against corruption and favoritism.

“You have demonstrated that leadership can be both ethical and impactful,” Temple continued. “Your inclusive governance model and rejection of tribalism, religious bias, and nepotism make you a role model for young Africans. Your personal integrity and lifestyle reflect the moral values that Africa needs today.”

In his acceptance speech, Commissioner Izeze expressed deep appreciation for the honor, dedicating the award to the people of Delta State and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

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“This award is not about me alone—it is a testament to what collective vision, commitment to service, and good governance can accomplish. I am sincerely grateful to the Grow Africa Youth Initiative and the award committee for this recognition. It strengthens my resolve to continue working toward a prosperous and inclusive future for all Deltans,” Izeze stated.

The Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence is one of the continent’s most respected recognitions for leadership in public service. Named after Ghana’s first president and a revered Pan-Africanist, the prize has been awarded to former heads of state, senior technocrats, and development pioneers whose work reflects Africa’s potential for self-reliance and visionary leadership.

Commissioner Izeze’s selection marks a significant milestone for Delta State and Nigeria at large, offering a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of leaders committed to transformative change across Africa.