The Lagos State Government and M-Net have announced a landmark partnership that will culminate in a dazzling celebration of style and fashion when the state hosts the FACE OF AFRICA 2010 FINAL on February 6, 2010!
Memorably intertwined together from the exact moment when model scouts spotted future winner Oluchi Onweagba on its streets a decade ago, the State of Lagos and Face of Africa have shared a special history from the very first season of the magical, life-changing search.
A decade on, Oluchi is arguably the continent’s most recognizable international model and her modeling agency, O Model Africa, will represent this year’s winner.
Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, executive governor of Lagos State, said that Lagos State is proud to host the continent’s number one model search. “Lagos State is delighted to play a part in the prestigious Face of Africa competition and we look forward to welcoming luminaries from across the continent – along with Africa’s most promising models – to Lagos in February this year,” he said.
The Face of Africa model search, now in its 8th edition, is the continent’s premier model search. Developed and screened by M-Net, the show sees model scouts scouring the continent in the hope of unearthing Africa’s next catwalk sensation. As with Oluchi, the show often unearths rags-to-riches tales as some of Africa’s most striking and iconic women are plucked from obscurity and given the chance to represent Africa on the catwalks of Paris, Milan and New York.
The partnership between M-Net and The Lagos State Government will see the State showcase its rich culture and history, it’s commercial and financial power, the investment opportunities in the Centre of Excellence and its talented fashion designers to the continent – and, in the flesh, over 500 VIP delegates who will attend the Final.
The State will host a special Governor’s Ball the evening before the Final, a VIP event where important stakeholders, celebrities and dignitaries will be able to rub shoulders and meet the Face of Africa finalists, who will also be introduced to the Governor.
Then, on 6 February, the glittering Face of Africa Final will be held at the new Eko Hotel Convention Centre – the first time the Final has been hosted and filmed in West Africa in the history of the show.
Biola Alabi, M-Net’s Africa, managing director said that Lagos State is a perfect partner for the Face of Africa Model Search. “Face of Africa is all about hope and transformation – assets it shares with Lagos State itself as one of the most progressive and dynamic States on the continent,” she says. “We at M-Net look forward to showcasing Lagos State’s energetic and fascinating people, culture and scenery as we name Africa’s next supermodel in Lagos next year.”
The Face of Africa Model Search winner will take home a USD50 000 cash prize and a modeling contract with Oluchi’s O Model Africa, which will propel her into the international modeling spotlight.