Okpanam Market Agog As Fostering Hopes Foundation Marks One Year Of Impact
…traders laud ED Nkechi Ukome for empowerment, scholarships
By Patrick Ochei
It was jubilation galore at Iyanga Market in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as traders joined members of the Fostering Hopes Foundation to celebrate the organization’s first anniversary.
The event, held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, attracted widespread attention after market men and women listened to the inspiring story of the Foundation’s journey and achievements within just one year.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of branded aprons to traders, which further endeared the Foundation to the beneficiaries.
The Canadian-based Executive Director of the Foundation, Nkechi Ukome, received heartfelt appreciation from the jubilant women, who sang in her honor for her remarkable contributions.
In the past year, she has empowered 12 families with business grants of ₦250,000 each and enrolled 40 children into the Foundation’s scholarship scheme covering education from nursery through secondary school.
Highlighting the Foundation’s mission, Pastor Mrs. Ethel Uto, Program Director for Education Opportunities and Empowerment, urged families struggling with financial challenges to reach out.
She emphasized that the Foundation was established not only to strengthen family bonds but also to assist parents in ensuring their children do not drop out of school due to economic hardship.
“Children are at the core of our work in Fostering Hopes Foundation,” Uto stated. “We support parents with business grants while also addressing the educational needs of their children. This aligns with our mandate to safeguard the rights and development of children in line with the Child Rights Act of 2003.”
The joyous atmosphere was filled with songs, prayers, and gratitude as traders celebrated what they described as a truly genuine and impactful initiative driven by Ukome’s passion for humanity.
The only male beneficiary among nearly 50 women, Diokpa Peter Chuks Ogwuma of Okpanam, expressed delight at the gesture and prayed for God’s blessings and long life for Nkechi Ukome, acknowledging her as a beacon of hope and transformation in the community.
