By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Over 1,200 small-scale business operators in Warri, Delta State, have received cash grants ranging from N100,000 to N1.5 million under the maiden empowerment programme of the Chief Francis Omatseye Foundation.
The beneficiaries, predominantly women drawn from different ethnic groups across the country, were presented with cash grants ranging from N100,000 to N1.5 million to support and expand their businesses.
In addition to the disbursements, supporters at the event raised a total of N45 million to further sustain the Foundation’s activities.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Founder and Visioneer, Chief Francis Omatseye, said the initiative, themed “Empowered to Empower,” was established on November 30, 2025, as a structured platform to uplift small business owners and promote economic independence.
According to him, the Foundation was also created in honour of the 10th memorial of his late parents, Pa Oritsetsetserundede Omatseye and Mrs Oritsejolone Omatseye.
Omatseye explained that a Board of Trustees, chaired by Mrs Flora Alatan, had been constituted to drive the vision, noting that the programme would become an annual event held in his birth month.
He said the selection of beneficiaries followed a rigorous process involving data collection and screening to ensure transparency and impact.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the philanthropist recounted his humble beginnings and life challenges, stating that his experiences inspired his commitment to empowering others.
He added that previous empowerment efforts he undertook had already helped several beneficiaries achieve financial stability, reinforcing his decision to institutionalise the initiative through a foundation.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Mode Akoma, commended Omatseye for taking the lead in humanitarian service, describing the initiative as a unifying effort that cuts across ethnic lines.
“You have started a noble path, and we will support you. This kind of initiative brings people together and strengthens our society,” he said.
Also speaking, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently to grow their businesses. He was represented at the event by Mr Omadoye.
Similarly, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ojoye Oma Eyewoma, advised recipients to make productive use of the grants in order to justify the gesture.
Chairperson of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Flora Alatan, emphasized the importance of financial discipline, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely and avoid frivolous spending.
The event also featured a financial literacy session delivered by Mrs Ogbejele Rita, a representative of Zenith International Bank, aimed at equipping beneficiaries with basic money management skills.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Amuduaghan expressed gratitude to the Foundation, noting that the support had given many recipients a fresh start in business.
“We now have something to call our own. This opportunity has helped us to begin again,” she said.
The event was attended by palace chiefs in Warri Kingdom, including Chief Gabriel Awala, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
Over 1,200 small-scale business operators in Warri, Delta State, have received cash grants ranging from N100,000 to N1.5 million under the maiden empowerment programme of the Chief Francis Omatseye Foundation.
The beneficiaries, predominantly women drawn from different ethnic groups across the country, were presented with cash grants ranging from N100,000 to N1.5 million to support and expand their businesses.
In addition to the disbursements, supporters at the event raised a total of N45 million to further sustain the Foundation’s activities.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Founder and Visioneer, Chief Francis Omatseye, said the initiative, themed “Empowered to Empower,” was established on November 30, 2025, as a structured platform to uplift small business owners and promote economic independence.
According to him, the Foundation was also created in honour of the 10th memorial of his late parents, Pa Oritsetsetserundede Omatseye and Mrs Oritsejolone Omatseye.
Omatseye explained that a Board of Trustees, chaired by Mrs Flora Alatan, had been constituted to drive the vision, noting that the programme would become an annual event held in his birth month.
He said the selection of beneficiaries followed a rigorous process involving data collection and screening to ensure transparency and impact.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the philanthropist recounted his humble beginnings and life challenges, stating that his experiences inspired his commitment to empowering others.
He added that previous empowerment efforts he undertook had already helped several beneficiaries achieve financial stability, reinforcing his decision to institutionalise the initiative through a foundation.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Mode Akoma, commended Omatseye for taking the lead in humanitarian service, describing the initiative as a unifying effort that cuts across ethnic lines.
“You have started a noble path, and we will support you. This kind of initiative brings people together and strengthens our society,” he said.
Also speaking, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently to grow their businesses. He was represented at the event by Mr Omadoye.
Similarly, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ojoye Oma Eyewoma, advised recipients to make productive use of the grants in order to justify the gesture.
Chairperson of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mrs Flora Alatan, emphasized the importance of financial discipline, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely and avoid frivolous spending.
The event also featured a financial literacy session delivered by Mrs Ogbejele Rita, a representative of Zenith International Bank, aimed at equipping beneficiaries with basic money management skills.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Amuduaghan expressed gratitude to the Foundation, noting that the support had given many recipients a fresh start in business.
“We now have something to call our own. This opportunity has helped us to begin again,” she said.
The event was attended by palace chiefs in Warri Kingdom, including Chief Gabriel Awala, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
