In the heart of Oginibo town, Ughelli South, a quiet but significant transformation has taken place. What began as a local lawmaker’s initiative has blossomed into a full-fledged retail business, thanks to a unique collaboration between state officials, a US-based philanthropist, and a community platform dedicated to results.
The Genesis of the Journey The story of Mr. Alex Bushell, a young and determined resident of Ughelli South, is a masterclass in the “staged empowerment” model. His journey toward economic independence started with a ₦200,000 grant from the Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama Empowerment Scheme. While this initial seed was enough to secure a shop space, it left the aspiring business owner with a common dilemma: four walls but no inventory.
The Philanthropic Bridge Recognizing that a shop without stock is a liability, the FOOSTODEY platform—an NGO known for its corporate philanthropy and youth inclusion efforts—stepped in to bridge the gap. In collaboration with the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Comrade Reuben Izeze, the platform successfully mobilized a ₦1 million intervention fund.
The funding was provided by Dr. Anani Anthony, a United States-based consultant and specialist pediatrician originally from Nigeria. Dr. Anthony’s contribution was not merely a donation; it was a targeted investment that fully financed the stocking of Mr. Bushell’s new shop, effectively turning a “start-up” into a “going concern.”
Leadership with a Grassroots Lens For Comrade Reuben Izeze, this intervention represents the “MORE Agenda” of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration in action. Speaking on the development, Izeze emphasized that sustainable economic growth is built on practical support rather than just rhetoric. By aligning the efforts of elected representatives like Hon. Utuama with the resources of the diaspora like Dr. Anthony, the initiative has created a blueprint for political discipline and youth self-reliance in the Ughievwen Kingdom.
Community Impact Residents of Oginibo have lauded the move as a timely response to youth unemployment. By moving Mr. Bushell from a grant recipient to a shop owner, the intervention has removed him from the job-seeking market and placed him in the job-creating sector.
As the FOOSTODEY platform continues to drive its empowerment agenda—having recently supported over 500 beneficiaries across the state—the success in Ughelli South serves as a reminder that when local governance meets global goodwill, the impact is both immediate and life-changing.
