Youth empowerment in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State received a major boost on Friday as the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, in partnership with the FOOSTODEY platform, facilitated a ₦1 million business support grant for a young entrepreneur.
The grant, fully funded by a United States–based consultant and specialist paediatrician, Dr. Anani Anthony, was used to stock a newly rented shop for Mr. Alex Bushell of Oginibo town.
The intervention followed an earlier commitment by FOOSTODEY to mobilise resources to support the beneficiary’s business start-up. Mr. Bushell had previously received a ₦200,000 grant under the Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama Empowerment Scheme, an initiative of the member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly. The initial support enabled him to secure a shop space, while additional funding was required to stock it.
As efforts continued to reach multiple sponsors, Dr. Anani Anthony reportedly stepped in and provided the full ₦1 million needed to complete the project.
With the funds disbursed, the shop has now been fully stocked, positioning Mr. Bushell for self-employment and economic independence. Community members described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly in tackling youth unemployment and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the intervention, Comrade Izeze commended Dr. Anani Anthony for his generosity and consistent support, and praised Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama for promoting a practical and sustainable empowerment programme.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with duly elected representatives, noting that the initiative aligns with broader goals of youth inclusion, self-reliance and political discipline in Ughelli South and the wider Ughievwen Kingdom.
The empowerment exercise took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, in Oginibo town.