By Jimitota Onoyume
Okpeyo Temile Foundation has doled out over four hundred and fifty million naira to aid operators of small scale enterprises ,SMEs under its 2026 business support grant and the aged in its – Support for Subsistence Living Programme , SSLP.
The programme Coordinator , Omasan Eyikimiaghan who spoke yesterday in Warri ,Delta state at a colorful ceremony to empower the beneficiaries expressed hope that the opportunities offered by the foundation would launch them into greater success.
She further urged them to effectively utilize the opportunity, adding that they should be good ambassadors of the foundation and remain agents of positive change in their communities.
Continuing, she said about eighty percent of the beneficiaries were from Delta state.
She said : “Today’s event is the culmination of months of careful planning and hard work by our dedicated team. We are delighted to welcome over 1,500 beneficiaries into this year’s empowerment programme
“This year’s cycle places greater emphasis on strengthening our immediate communities through the Business Support Grant and the Support for Subsistence Living Programme. Approximately 80% of this year’s beneficiaries come from our host communities, reflecting our commitment to creating sustainable economic growth where it is needed most. At the same time, our vision remains national, and we will continue expanding our reach across Nigeria in the years ahead.
“As beneficiaries of the Okpeyo Temile Foundation, you also carry an important responsibility. We expect you to become ambassadors of integrity, hard work, and positive change within your communities. We hope that the businesses you establish will not only improve your own lives but also create opportunities for others.
“Never allow your present circumstances to define your future. Every successful entrepreneur started with an idea, a dream, and the determination to persevere. We hope this programme becomes the turning point that launches many of you into lasting success”
Omasan recalled that in addition to other positive objectives, the foundation was set up to sustain the rich legacies of the late Chief Emmanuel Adanoritsewo Temile , the Esama of Warri kingdom.
“The Okpeyo Temile Foundation was established to preserve and sustain the enduring legacy of Late Chief Emmanuel Adanoritsewo Temile, the Esama of Warri Kingdom-a man whose life was defined by compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. His belief that lasting development begins with investing in people continues to inspire everything we do.
“At the Foundation, we firmly believe that sustainable development is achieved not merely through financial assistance, but by empowering people with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and confidence to become self-reliant and successful. That conviction remains the driving force behind our empowerment programmes “, she added.
Dr Rachel Misan Rubi who spoke on building SMEs enjoined the beneficiaries to develop their business plans, be friendly to customers and be consistent when they open and close for business daily . She also charged them to separate their business funds from daily private expenditures. She further advised the beneficiaries to keep a record of their sales, adding that they should build their businesses outside credit facilities.
Esther Ejejigbe of the Foundation who spoke on the stipends for the aged (The SSLP) urged them to use the money wisely, stressing that it would run for six months.
” The fifty thousand for each of you is for six months. You all should pray for the foundation.”, she said.
The aged got fifty thousand each and it would run till December this year while the small scale business owners , SMEs ,had three hundred thousand naira each as grant for their businesses.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture. One of them, Mrs Vera Onos- Gbenebichie , prayed fervently for the foundation.
