No fewer than 1, 200 small scale business operators have benefited from the maiden edition of “Chief Francis Omatseye Foundation” in Warri.

The beneficiaries, mostly women, were drawn from various ethnic groups in the country.

They were each rewarded on Wednesday with cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N1.5 million to boost their trades.

The sum of N45 million was also raised by supporters for the Foundation at the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, the Founder/Visioneer, Chief Francis Omatseye said that the Foundation which had it’s slogan “Empowered to Empower” was birthed on Nov. 30, 2025.

According to him, the project was in honour of the 10th Memorial Service of his late parents; Pa Oritsetsetserundede Omatseye and Mrs Oritsejolone Omatseye.

“A valid Board of Trustee headed by Mrs Flora Alatan as Trustee Chairperson was constituted on Nov. 30, 2025 at the RCCG Restoration Mega Parish, Ekurede Itsekiri in Warri to drive the vision of Chief Francis Omatseye Foundation.

“Today’s event which has been deliberately fixed to hold annually in the month of my birth is a product of nights of planning, rigorous data collection processes and diligent selection/screening exercises,” he said.

Omatseye reflected on his humble background filled with life challenges and how he sought for blessings from God to
empower humanity.

He said that quite a number of those who had benefited from his previous empowerment programmes have been able to attain different levels of financial freedom.

The philanthropist said that in view of the world’s dynamics and
attempt to do something different in an organised manner, he decided to establish the Foundation.

Also speaking, Chairman of the event,
Prince Mode Akoma commended Chief Omatseye for the vision to impact on humanity.

“You have started, we will not live you in this journey; what you are doing now is what some of us are shying away from and since you have lead the way, we will follow you in the journey.

“The beneficiaries are cut across various tribes in the country, that shows, you are not tribalistic. This kind of attitude is what can unite us as one society,” he said.

Also, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, member representing Warri Federal Constituency, urged the beneficiaries to invest the money wisely.

The lawmaker was represented at the ceremony by Mr Omadoye.

In same vein, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Ojoye Oma Eyewoma urged the beneficiaries to utilise the cash so as not to disappoint the donor.

On her part, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustee, Mrs Alatan urged the beneficiaries to plough the money into their businesses wisely rather than spending them on frivolous things.

“Invest the money wisely in your trade so that you can also give back to the society,” she advised.

Highlights of the event was a free financial literacy talk anchored by a representative of the Zenith International Bank, Mrs Ogbejele Rita.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Amuduaghan who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the Foundation for empowering them.

“We thank the Chief Francis Omatseye Foundation for giving us the opportunity to start our life again. We thank the Foundation for making us to say, we have business,” she said.

In attendance were: Palace chiefs in Warri Kingdom including
Chief Gabriel Awala, religious leaders and among others.