Ebonyi First Lady Empowers Pink Exhibition Vendors

By Uzorigwe Gloria

The empowerment of vendors who participated in the Pink Exhibition held in October 2025 at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall has been formally concluded with the presentation of financial support cheques to beneficiaries by the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

The beneficiaries, led by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Ofia Nwali, alongside Maryann Chinelo Omege, paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the First Lady where the cheques were officially handed over. The empowerment initiative is aimed at strengthening small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting vendors to scale up their enterprises for greater economic impact.

Speaking during the presentation, the First Lady commended the vendors for their creativity, resilience, and impressive participation at the Pink Exhibition. She described the exhibition as a powerful platform that showcases local innovation, promotes enterprise development, and contributes to the economic vibrancy of Ebonyi State.

Her Excellency encouraged the beneficiaries to make prudent and effective use of the funds, emphasizing that the support was not merely assistance, but an investment in their capacity to grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy. She urged them to aim higher in subsequent exhibitions by improving product quality, expanding their businesses, and demonstrating accountability and excellence.

“This empowerment is meant to inspire you to do more this year and beyond. Use the funds wisely, grow your businesses, and let your success stories speak for you,” the First Lady charged.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Chief Oguzor Ofia Nwali, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her consistent support for small and medium-scale enterprises in the state. He noted that the empowerment of Pink Exhibition vendors aligns with the state government’s commitment to economic development, job creation, and youth and women empowerment. Also Maryann Chinelo Omege, the team led used the opportunity to present gift items produced in Ebonyi state to the First Lady in appreciation of her support to the vendors each year.

The Pink Exhibition, held at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, and vendors from across the state, providing them with a platform to display their products, connect with customers, and access opportunities for growth.

The empowerment exercise further reinforces the Ebonyi State Government’s dedication to inclusive economic development and the promotion of grassroots entrepreneurship, particularly through the compassionate leadership of the First Lady of Ebonyi State.