The Annual Uyo Fashion Week Masterclass took on a remarkable philanthropic dimension this year as its Convener, Mae Edmonds, celebrated her 60th birthday by providing financial business support to 60 entrepreneurs selected from across Nigeria.
The two-day masterclass, held in Uyo, attracted over 367 participants and combined entrepreneurship, fashion, mentorship, innovation, and enterprise development, further positioning the city as a growing hub for creativity and business excellence.
Speaking during the event, Mae Edmonds, described the empowerment initiative as an expression of gratitude to God and a commitment to impacting lives through entrepreneurship.
“This empowerment is my thanksgiving to God and my contribution to the growth of others. At 60, I want my celebration to be about impact,” she said.
Beyond the intensive training sessions, 60 entrepreneurs received financial business support aimed at helping them strengthen, sustain, and expand their ventures.
Beneficiaries described the initiative as timely and transformative amid prevailing economic challenges.
The masterclass featured insightful sessions on entrepreneurship, branding, finance, innovation, and the future of the fashion and creative industries.
General Manager of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Ime Uwah, delivered a session on building sustainable and profitable businesses in Akwa Ibom State.
Also speaking at the event, Raphael Edem, highlighted the state’s growing reputation as a destination for investment and enterprise, while Annie Essienette, emphasized the importance of strategic brand positioning in a competitive marketplace.
Financial expert Adenike Nwokocha spoke on money management and financial discipline, while Enoabasi Emah, explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the evolving fashion industry.
Participants shared inspiring testimonials about the impact of the programme.
Fashion entrepreneur, Blessing Taiwo, described the training as coming at a critical stage in her business journey, while Port Harcourt-based designer, Michael Effiong, said the knowledge gained during the masterclass was “priceless.”
Another participant, Grace Etim, commended Lady Mae Edmonds for her visionary leadership and pledged to replicate similar acts of empowerment in the future.
Speakers and participants alike praised Lady Mae Edmonds for her consistency in mentorship, enterprise development, and the continued growth of the Uyo Fashion Week platform over the years.
By linking her 60th birthday celebration to the empowerment of entrepreneurs, Lady Mae Edmonds, reinforced the importance of service-driven leadership, community impact, and sustainable enterprise development.
Observers say the initiative, further, strengthens Uyo’s reputation as a centre for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s fashion and business ecosystem.
