ENTERTAINMENT

Afro Model Awards 2017: Organizers target Nigerian models

Ahead of 2017 edition of the prestigious Afro Model Awards, organizers of the awards recently  stormed the country in search of Nigerian models who would take the centre stage at the forthcoming edition. 

The awards ceremony holds annually in London. 

Founder of Afro Model Awards, James Jegede  who flew into the country last week explained that the awards ceremony cannot be successful without Nigerian models taking centre stage at the event. 

Jegede was accompanied by co-founder of Afro Model Awards, Abimbola Jegede and the country’s coordinator, Afolabi Ibikunle. 

“I am in the country to solicit support from the stakeholders as well as to encourage young models across the country to be part of next year’s edition of the prestigious Afro Model Awards.”

 For Jegede, if they succeed in having more participation of models from Nigeria in the contest, the better for the organizers. 

“If we have more Nigerian models in the beauty contest, the better for us in terms of investment and development of raw talents, “ adding “Ultimately, to achieve the objectives of establishing the Afro Model Awards, which is to bridge the gab existing between the white and black models, we do not want to limit our discovery of raw talents only to the UK based models.” 

Jegede noted that before the establishment of Afro Model awards, in 2011/2012, there were no prominent black models in London. 

“We started discovering new black models who have now gone global. 

We do not want the discovery to be based in London alone, with just a few who are able to pay their bills and fares to and from the UK but also, those who can’t but we can afford them the opportunity to hit the international runways. 

I want to look back in future and say yes, I have been able to help my people in their careers and I am proud to be a contributor to people’s lives and also, the nation at large.” 

Speaking further, Jegede said, he’s looking forward to collaborating with the stakeholders in the fashion and style industry to create awareness for the 2017 edition of Afro Model Awards.

The best 5-10 contestants that will be selected after a competitive audition, according to Jegede, would enjoy an all-expense paid trip to London to participate in the contest.