For society top shot Ehizogie Ogbebor, who is adjudged as one of the biggest female interior decorators in Nigeria, celebrating her birthday is an avenue to thank her creator for blessing her with the good things of life. When the CEO of Sayaveth Resources Limited celebrated her 40th birthday last year, it was a week-long event where she ferried her friends and close associates to a private birthday celebration in Thailand, renting one of the most luxurious Villa ZeniMo in Phuket with a week of activities that made headlines and took social media by storm. She spared no cost to pamper herself and her friends, painting the streets of Thailand red with those who attended.
But as she is gradually coming of age, she believes that with the situation in the country where many are in need of help due to the biting economy, celebrating her 41st birthday with fanfare would not align with the mood of the nation, especially with school children being held hostage in Oyo. In a bid to celebrate her birthday differently, on day one which is tomorrow, Saturday the 14th of June, she will be feeding one thousand children. She will provide meals and essential support items to 1,000 vulnerable children. Her goal is not just to fill stomachs but to share love, care and hope with the younger generation.
On the 15th of June, which is her birthday, she will financially empower 200 market women with ₦100,000 (one hundred thousand naira) each, bringing the total direct cash injection into local markets to ₦20 million. The beneficiaries will be drawn from three different markets across the country. The empowerment is intended to help these women restock goods, expand their stalls and stabilize their households, many of whom are breadwinners for extended families.
According to sources, while the total budget for the outreach has not been officially disclosed, based on the cash component alone (₦20 million for market women, plus logistics for feeding 1,000 children), it was estimated that the total investment could be in the range of ₦50 million. She believes that rather than spending it on vintage exotic wines and high-cost meals, helping the needy and putting smiles on their faces would be far more fulfilling for her.
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