By Emmanuel Fateman and Destiny Jemiriayegbe
US-based Nigerian basketball star and philanthropist, Ejike Ugboaja, MFR, founder of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation, has announced plans to provide sports-based scholarships to youths in Delta State.
This development followed a New Year visit by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Forward for Tinubu 2027, Chief Dr. Wilson Ojei, the Ebubedike I of Owa, to the basketball champion at his Abuja Castle (mansion).
During the visit, both parties reached an agreement to host Ejike Ugboaja in Delta State, where he will extend his foundation’s humanitarian initiatives to the people of the state. The programme is expected to leverage sports as a tool for youth empowerment and social development.
The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation expressed confidence that the initiative will help reduce youth restiveness across Delta State. Established in 2007, the foundation has remained active in youth development through sports, having trained and awarded scholarships to over 2,000 Nigerian youths and still Counting.
The foundation has previously trained youths from several states, including Kaduna, Anambra, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Nasarawa, and Niger States. It now plans to concentrate its efforts on the Niger Delta region, beginning with Delta State, while partnering with state governments to drive sustainable development through sports.
On the right is Comrade Emmanuel Fateman, Media Assistant to Ejike Ugboaja, MFR, Second on the right, Ejike Ugboaja, Obama and Chief Dr. Wilson Ojei Sunday, Ebubedike Dike 1 Of Owa kingdom in Delta State During the Chiefs New year Visit to the USA based Basketballer in his Abuja Mansion.