Anioma Association USA, Incorporated, a non-profit socio-cultural organisation of Anioma indigenes resident in the United States of America, has announced that its Maiden Economic Empowerment Award Ceremony will hold on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the NUJ Press Centre, Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State, starting at 11:00 a.m. prompt.
The award, which comes in the form of a N500,000 grant to each beneficiary, provides non-repayable funding aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by small business start-ups and SME operators seeking expansion. A total of nine beneficiaries, one each from the nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Delta North Senatorial District, will receive the empowerment grant.
Announcing the programme in a press statement, the President of Anioma Association USA, Dr. Kpamioseh Anthony Ogbechie, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to meaningful projects. “Our mission remains resolute in fostering the preservation and celebration of our rich heritage. Even as we reflect and renew our shared values of vision and unity, we will continue to embrace the call to serve, mentor, and inspire the next generation for the bigger story of Anioma’s growth,” Dr. Ogbechie declared.
The Vice President of the Association and Chairman of the Empowerment Project Committee, Dr. Samuel Momah, explained that the process leading to the selection of beneficiaries was transparent and thorough. He state that a total of 75 applications were received, out of which 59 met the eligibility criteria and qualified for a ballot process conducted during the Association’s National Summit on July 12, 2025.
A breakdown of applications received from the nine LGAs shows the following: Aniocha North 15, Aniocha South 6, Ika North 2, Ika South 6, Oshimili North 5, Oshimili South 6, Ndokwa West 4, Ndokwa East 4 and Ukwuani 11.
And the beneficiaries selected include: Isioma Abia-Aniocha North, Roseline Ijebusonma Iwegbu-Aniocha South, Ikechukwu Gift Chekwube-Ndokwa East, Ifeoma Dibia- Ndokwa West, Stephen Ugochukwu Ogodu-Ukwuani, Olise Ogbolu Raphael-Oshimili North, Okonji Nkem-Oshimili South, Joel Nketan-Ika North and Godwin Oyesi Ayuwe-Ika South. Each of the above will receive a N500,000 grant at the ceremony.
A highlight of the event will be the Keynote Lecture titled: “Leveraging Smart Packaging and Marketing for Sustainable Business Success.” The lecture will be delivered by Mr. Godfrey C. Osakwe, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Chairman, Delta State Chapter of NIPR. A development communicator, leadership trainer, and brand builder, Osakwe will emphasise the critical role of packaging and marketing as game changers for business visibility and competitiveness in local and global markets.
The ceremony will be graced by prominent royal fathers, including: HRM Obi Emmanuel Ezedimbu Nkebakwu III, Obi of Ugboba and HRM Ayo Isinyemeze, Oloza of Ugbodu. The target audience will include young entrepreneurs, media professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders committed to youth empowerment and the socio-economic development of Anioma and Delta State.
