GOVERNOR AMBODE OF LAGOS STATE COMMISSIONS HELICOPTERS GUN BOATS AND OTHER SECURITY GADGETS TO BEEF UP SECURITY

Today, the Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode commissioned N4. 765 billion worth of security machinery . They include 3 Helicopters ,15 BMW Power Bikes/Cycles,100 4-Door Salon Cars, 2 Gun Boats, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 5 Armoured Personnel Carriers Revolving Lights, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, , 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks. Also commissioned were , Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators Security Gadgets, including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, etc Uniforms, Kits..
This is to aid in the fight against insecurity in Lagos..
Pics below

AMEDE CONFIRMED FOR THE LA FASHION WEEK

AMEDE to showcase their Resort 2016 collection called ‘The ART of COLOR’ in the LA Collections at The Reef L.A. The runway show is scheduled for [6pm and/or 9pm] on Saturday 14th November.

BRAND & DESIGNER PROFILE

AMEDE is a Nigerian based Women’s wear brand whose aesthetic is the use of batik and tye dye. The Creative Director Amede Nzeribe, a lawyer turned designer believes in designing timeless classic pieces that appeal to women of all ages.

The brand has graced the catwalks of major fashion shows like Arise Magazine Fashion week, the Lagos Fashion and design week, the ‘Catwalk Edit’ London Fashion Week 2015.

 

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, the third largest economic metropolitan area in the world and the centre of the American music and film industries qualifying it as the ideal next stop in a series of international runway shows. The Global Language Monitor 2013 ranked Los Angeles as the fourth most important fashion capital in the world. It is home to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Red Carpets and the Academy Awards. The complete OFS LA Collections runway schedule will be launched here first.See more of the photos on Instagram @tessy_cole @tambemark for african fashion trends 

ICONOLA UNVEILES ITS ICON CAMPAIGN FOR 2015

Emerging fashion brand ‘Iconola’ has been a big hit amongst the likes of Nigerian celebrities such as, Zainab Balogun, Bolanle Olukanni, Monalisa Chinda, Dj Cuppy and many more. The brands bold and edgy pieces will have you in awe!

To showcase their designs. The brand unveils its 2015 campaign and called it ‘Icon’. Check them out

See the rest of the cool photos on Instagram @tessy_cole @ tambemark and do well to follow to catch the lattest trends on african fashion. 

SAMSUNG PICTURE YOUR DREAM COMPETITION: LAWYER AND PHILANTHROPIST IFEYINWA OBIENU EMERGES WINNER

Lawyer and philanthropist, Ifeyinwa Obienu, who is also a volunteer with the Destiny Trust, an NGO, has emerged the winner in the just concluded Samsung Picture Your Dream competition. The palm selfie contest availed Nigerians the opportunity to express their dreams. The competition kicked off at the end of August 2015.

The contest is an offshoot of the company’s current theme, Dream Your Dream, which inspires progress and spurs dreams to success, while also nurturing the aspiration of young Nigerians who have great dreams with the potential to impact the country positively. The other six finalists of the Picture Your Dream campaign were also rewarded with Samsung Galaxy J7devices.

”Getting disadvantaged children off the streets has been a dream that I have been nurturing and working towards. I really appreciate Samsung’s support in accomplishing my dream. Thank you Samsung for making this possible and for keeping to your words“, stated Ifeyinwa Obienu.

“It was truly a challenge shortlisting the top seven finalists for this contest“, said Jumoke Okikiolu, Head, Product Marketing (IM), Samsung Electronics West Africa. “Many of the over 1,300 entries initially received were very inspiring. The seven finalists selected after the first round had a busy time soliciting votes from friends and family via social media. Ms. Obienu’s dream to ‘help destitute kids get off the street’ pulled the highest number of votes in the second and final round“, Jumoke Okikiolu added.

”The emergence of Ifeyinwa Obienu as the winner of the Samsung’s Palm Selfie competition aptly portrays Samsung as an organisation that supports its customers in achieving their dreams. At Samsung, we are committed to seeing that dreams that positively impact on the society are brought to reality. Ifeyinwa Obienu will certainly be happy, seeing that her dream of getting destitute kids off the street is going to be achieved, and that is what we want at Samsung“, remarked Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Information Technology and Mobile.

MBONG AMATA RELEASES NEW PHOTOS OF HER SELF AND LABEL MATES OF HER NEW LABEL SPLASH & COLE

Nollywood actress Mbong Amatarecently launched her very own record label called Bong House Media and she has two artists on it – Splash and Cole. To further promote her artists she has released new promo photos. The photos were shot by @Thatthroneguy with makeup by @Chichifaceville. See the photos below.

EAT PARTY AND ENJOY GREAT DISCOUNTS ON FASHION ITEMS AT FASHION COOKOUT THIS SUNDAY

It’s about that time for mouthwatering discounts and bargains for early Christmas shoppers. Lagos, are you ready for that ultimate shopping and partying experience at Fashion Cookout? Save the date – Sunday, 29th November! Come and Buy, Sell, Network, Relax, Eat, Enjoy and Party!! Last month’s event was massive, nice and beautiful with great turnout. This time around, it’s “Business meets Pleasure” with great food and fashion to meet everyone’s crave and trust our vendors to make great sales as usual. Wait till you see the surprise we have for you, trust us on this one, so don’t come alone; come with your spouse, friends, neighbors and family. Limited stalls are still available as they are selling out very fast!

Date: Sunday, November 29th

Time: 2PM

Venue: N-tyce Lounge, 1310 Karimu Kotun street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Entry: Free 

For sponsorships, stall bookings and enquiries,

Call Desile Pro on: 08056969944, 09103829988 | Email: TheFashionCookout@gmail.com | Website: www.fashioncookout.com| Instagram: @Thefashioncookout, @Desile_Pro, @Ntycelagos, @Oladippo

HOW DO YOU LIKE BBA TAYO FANIRAN'S NEW LOOK

If you followed BBA Hotshots star, Tayo Faniran, throughout his stay at the Big Brother house and even after his exit, you would know that he is not afraid to try new things with his hair. From cornrows to various shapes, he’s a modern day chameleon with his looks. So, when he posted his most recent hair change, we were not surprised. The Payporte ambassador brightened up his hair with blonde tips while leaving the roots dark. Tayo calls is the “Victory Line Look“. Blonde can either go really well, or really bad, so we want you to sound off – is his new look a hit or miss?

THE THE BAND ON THE USE OF HIJAB SITLL STANDS: DG NYSC

Members of Muslim Youths in Da’wah on Tuesday had a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps in Abuja against the ban on the use of hijab by female Muslim corps members, especially during orientation camps.
However the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi, insisted on the ban, saying it was “for security reasons” and will not be lifted. 

The national coordinator of LMYiD, Luqman Hassan; and the Deputy Coordinator, Kamarudeen Adefila, had told the NYSC DG that a major protest by Muslims was averted because of the ban on hijab in most orientation camps.

“We are here to discuss with you about the incident that happened recently in various camps across the country. We have a guiding principle which is based on the Holy Q’uran. We are all Nigerians and the principle which guides us is the constitution and the African Charter on Human rights.

“Members of the NYSC are Nigerians who have contributed to the development of this country; female corps members deserve protection by the NYSC. We don’t believe that a female corps member putting on hijab has done any wrong against the Act establishing the NYSC. So they deserve the respect of the NYSC. We have travelled far and wide and visited different camps. Why are the rights of female corps members being infringed upon. We are here to register our displeasure.”

“Many Muslim organisations wanted to protest, but we said wait a while. In fact, we have to intervene to avoid the situation and if Muslims march on the streets, it will attract a lot of negative comments, but people won’t know why we are protesting,” Adefila had added.

“Under my leadership, the NYSC will accord respect to every corps member, irrespective of tribe and religion. The incident in Benue State was caused by the use of long hijab. The security situation in the country is tough. There is the danger of somebody using hijab for other reasons.

“Why are you so particular on your alleged infraction on the rights of youths without mentioning any one of such on Christian youths? Produce your evidence, write to us and I can assure you that we will act fast. When the incident in Benue State was reported to us, I swung into action and ensured that the camp commandant was decamped immediately. We are not magicians; if you have any evidence, write to us and we will not hesitate to act.”

The NYSC Legal Adviser, Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, said the incident in Benue State was still being  investigated.

He said,:

"I’m a Muslim and in our camps, I know that we have treated everybody equally. You mentioned the fact that you would have proceeded to protest. Very minor issues could trigger off mass protest.

“We will see the way forward to this complaint. I can assure you that the issue will not be swept under the carpet. The NYSC is very sensitive to the issue of religion and immediately we heard of it, we swung into action and we are on it because issues of religion are very sensitive.”

NOMINEES FOR THE 2015 FUTURE AWARD WILL BE ANNOUNCED TODAY: BE THE FIRST TO KNOW BY TUNING IN TO EBONYLIFE TV

The Future Awards Africa 2015nominees will be announced on a special EbonyLife TV broadcast today set to be hosted by media personality Vimbai Mutinhiri.

The one-hour broadcast is scheduled for 3pm West African Time and will air across Africa.

There are 10 categories at this year’s awards, including a special prize presented by the Ford Foundation’s West Africa office for Youth Employment in Nigeria.

The award categories for 2015 are:
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Education
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Agriculture
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Advocacy
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Technology
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Public Service
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Community Action
The Tony O. Elumelu Prize in Business
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Entertainment
The Future Awards Africa Prize in Enterprise Support
The Future Awards Africa Prize for African Young Person of the Year

Nominations were opened to the general public for individuals or teams between the ages of 18 and 31, who have delivered inspired impact and a track record of accomplishments within their community and/or globally in the last year. More importantly, these accomplishments must inspire youth and older people across Africa.

The Future Awards Africa 2015 – the 10th anniversary – will hold on Sunday, 6 December, 2015.

AGF: WE'LL AUDIT ALL PENDING HIGH PROFILE CASES

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, said yesterday that he has secured the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to thoroughly audit all pending high profile criminal cases. Who made this disclosure while briefing newsmen in abuja yesterday said that the audit will be aimed at uncovering reasons  why past administrations failed to effectively prosecute corruption cases that were initiated against some politically  exposed persons.

 He said the President Buhari-led government would not hesitate to re-open fresh investigation against anyone whose trial is found to have been compromised in any way.

“Similarly, those who compromised investigations of such cases will be duly prosecuted. Under this administration, there will be no respite for the corrupt,” the AGF stated.

Remarkably, almost 10 years after the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, dragged some former governors to court over their alleged complicity in money laundering and wanton looting of public treasury, no meaningful headway has been made on most of the cases.

In fact, most of the corruption cases pending in court against the former governors are yet to even enter the hearing stage.

Mindful of this fact, the AGF, yesterday, vowed to re-invigorate all the anti-corruption agencies in the country, saying: “The battle against corruption is one which the administration of President Buhari has identified as crucial to the ultimate capacity of the Nigerian state to rise to its full potentials.

“The linkage between corruption and under-development has long been established and explains why Mr. President, in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, identified corruption as the worst form of human rights violation as it denies the people the resources they need to develop and thrive.

“The Federal Ministry of Justice will, therefore, be positioned under my watch to play this role in a credible and committed manner.

“The task of re-invigorating the ministry and the other anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force, is one to which I hereby pledge my personal commitment and energy, in order to position them to fight it within the bounds of law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and in line with international best practices.

“Fighting corruption, of course, is not only a question of having laws and institutions in place, but also involves the need to deepen institutional credibility and individual integrity.

“The staff of the ministry and the other agencies, who will be involved in this fight, must therefore, realise that new and improved standards will be required of them and this government will not accept excuses for failure in the investigation and prosecution of cases.

“On its part, government will continue to improve the levels of provisions of the resources and welfare requirements of the officers who will be involved in this campaign. We all must continue to be motivated by the fact that corruption is a monster which can consume us all if we do not collectively tackle it through individual efforts and collective approaches.

“The world over, it is believed that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of an independent judiciary, the protection of minority rights and an active legislative assembly that acts as an effective oversight over Executive action. As Nigeria’s Chief Law Officer, I am mindful of the responsibilities vested upon me under the constitution and therefore commit myself to building these Democratic institutions which are the pillars of our democracy.”

“On the international front and conscious of the responsibility of my Ministry to advice the government on its international treaty obligations, we shall strive to ensure that our international bonds with our partners continue to be strengthened.

“We shall therefore continue to work with foreign governments and institutions in tackling complex cross-border crimes and implement mutual legal assistance agreements with other countries especially in the area of asset repatriation and legal assistance.

“We must show collectively, a determination to demonstrate that the law is not an ass, as it used to be referred to derisively, but instead, that it can be a potent force for positive change and the enthronement of social justice.

“I am therefore committed to the employment of law as an instrument of social engineering to work and realise the Change that we all desire as a people”, the AGF added.

Meantime, fielding questions from journalists on why the federal government was acting against a valid court order by deploying operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, to prevent the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, from travelling abroad for medical treatment, the  AGF, insisted that the action of the government was backed by the law.

According to him, “This administration believes in the supremacy of the rule of law and can never flout court orders. However, some high profile cases are sometimes clouded by multiple issues that require in-depth investigations.

“Even when a case has already been entered against you, if fresh monumental issues arise, as a good citizen, you are bound to submit yourself for investigation. It is not enough to conclude that an order of a court is flouted, we must look at peculiarity of the circumstance”.

Contending that national interest would always supersede that of any individual in the country no matter how highly placed, the AGF, said:  “There is no room for corruption in this country. We will deploy all resources to fight it and also ensure that those who compromised the fight in the past are brought to book”.

FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN TURNED 58 TODAY

Fifty-eight years ago, former President Goodluck Jonathan was born in Otueke, a predominantly fishing community, presently in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Ex-President Jonathan casting his vote in the March 28, 2015 Presidential election. He lost to General Muhammadu Buhari, but called him shortly to concede defeat and congratulate him.

On that fateful Wednesday of November 20, 1957, baby Jonathan was born into the family of Mr. Lawrence Jonathan. His mother is Mrs Eunice.

Rising from what he (Jonathan) has always described as a journey from ‘grass to grace,’ the son of canoe makers, rose from a Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to becoming Nigeria’s President, the highest office in the country.

Jonathan, who held sway as the country’s No. 1 citizen for 60 months/24days (5 May 2010 – 29 May 2015) is many things to many people.

For instance, recently, Jonathan who led the Commonwealth international observers team to monitor the Tanzanian general election held on October 25, 2015, was described as ‘a hero of free and fair election in Africa,’ having contributed largely to the successful conduct of the election which was declared peaceful, free, fair and credible by international observers.

Basking in the euphoria of the high respect they have for Jonathan, particularly for making that unusual and unprecedented sacrifice to concede defeat to his opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari (now President), The Daily News of Tanzania, in an editorial before the election, titled, ‘Salutary lessons for Tanzania from Nigeria’s latest elections,’ paid glowing tributes to Jonathan.

The newspaper commended him for taking his defeat in the last presidential election “in all magnanimity,” stressing that, “Jonathan may very well have averted bloodshed that is characteristic of incumbent leaders who cling in power tooth and nail, fang and claw! What lesson is there in this for us in Tanzania, pray?”

The paper maintained: “It is generally admitted that the election in Nigeria was unprecedentedly free, fair and transparent, whereby the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, won the Presidency. What is more remarkable is that the incumbent president who sought re-election, Goodluck Jonathan, … most graciously accepted the results promptly!

“Oh, I don’t know beyond the fact that Tanzania could tragically do worse if it fails to dedicatedly take a leaf out of Nigeria’s newest book on elections!”

Similarly, the Guardian of Tanzania, in its own editorial entitled, ‘High profile figures among observers will add credibility to poll process, results’, poured encomiums on the former Nigerian president, describing him as a democrat who has pointed the way forward for the rest of Africa.

The Guardian further wrote that “Jonathan’s voluntary handover of power to the opposition wrote a new chapter for Nigeria’s democracy, given the fact that it is rare for sitting presidents in Africa to hand over powers to winning opposition parties.”

Against this backdrop, Vanguard captures 58 quotable quotes of Ex-President Jonathan as he clocks 58.

Quote 1

The stronger the boat of (democracy), the more it is able to meet the challenges of its voyage and deliver on its promise to citizens.

Quote 2
The air of freedom we breathe today is the result of the sacrifices of thousands of pro-democracy activists, human rights campaigners and others who organised as civil society.

Quote 3
My political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Quote 4
No minister will be allowed to go on a mission of endless search for solutions.

Quote 5 
In the comfort of our offices, let us not forget that majority of our people live below the poverty line.

Quote 6

Terrorism has no conscience and spares no one.

Quote 7
Any society or country that closes the vital valves of its democratic space cannot develop at a reasonable pace

Quote 8

Where there is no opportunity for one man one vote, there will be no accountability and no responsibility.

Quote 9

Democracy is a journey that every nation mindful of advancing the liberty of its citizens must undertake.

Quote 10

Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

Quote 11
Our votes must count! One man, one vote! One woman, one vote! One youth, one vote!

Quote 12
Nobody should rig for me. I am assuring Nigerians that though I am contesting, nobody must manipulate votes in my favour. Our votes must count.

Quote 13
I congratulate the candidates of the other political parties. I regard them not as opponents but as partners.

Quote 14

In presenting myself for service, I make no pretense that I have a magic wand that will solve all of Nigeria’s problems or that I am the most intelligent Nigerian.

Quote 15
I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Quote 16

Democracy calls for sacrifice and tolerance an open ear and a strong voice.

Quote 17 
For the PDP family, the contest for party offices does not produce winners and losers.

Quote 18
I believe in the politics of give and take.

Quote 19
Separation of power is not separation of government.

Quote 20
We are all Nigerians and I will be a President to all. This is the new dawn we crave

Quote 21
Our unity is firm, our purpose strong, our determination unshakable.

Quote 22
Being a Nigerian is a blessing (and) a great responsibility.

Quote 23
We have a duty to be loyal to our country.

Quote 24
If God did not will it we will not be Nigerians.

Quote 25
Our founding fathers… did not dream of a country where neighbours and friends would exchange bullets in place of handshakes.

Quote 26
I prefer to see the silver lining in the dark cloud rather than the dark cloud in the silver lining.

Quote 27
We may not have overcome our challenges, but neither have our challenges overcome us.

Quote 28
We are not sworn enemies… We are neighbours who sometimes offend each other, but can always sit down to talk over our differences.

Quote 29
Over-dependence on oil has put an unpleasant bracket in our national economic freedom.

Quote 30
Economic diplomacy does not need to be a zero-sum game where the gain of partner automatically translates to the loss of the other.

Quote 31
Peace and security are the barest irreducible conditions for social and economic development.

Quote 32
I am loyal to Nigeria’s economy. I don’t have accounts or property abroad. All my children live and school in Nigeria.

Quote 33
The time of lamentation is over. This is the era of transformation. This is the time for action.

Quote 34
Cynicism and scepticism will not help our journey to greatness. Let us all believe in a new Nigeria.

Quote 35

The goal of achieving positive macroeconomic stability is no end in itself.

Quote 36

I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices.

Quote 37
While we may not have landed a spaceship on the moon or developed nuclear technology, our inventors and innovators have made globally acknowledged contributions

Quote 38

Transformation in my view simply means taking what you have and making the best of it and in so doing produce results that can bring about a paradigm shift.

Quote 39
I want to assure Nigerians that crude oil is not our ‘Black Gold.’ The real ‘Black Gold’ of Nigeria are her people and they can grow in value from gold to diamond via education.

Quote 40

We must quickly move away from partisan battlegrounds and find the national common ground.

Quote 41
Let me put you on notice: the assignment of offices is not an allocation of privileges.

Quote 42
Nigeria is a nation of resilient people. We will never yield to the forces of darkness. Nigeria will never ever, disintegrate.

Quote 43
The quality of governance is as good as the quality of the civil service.

Quote 44
The best advertisement for good governance is its positive expressions of happiness in the lives of the governed.

Quote 43 
In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school, but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day, but I never despaired. Didn’t have power, didn’t have generators, studied with lanterns, but I never despaired. In spite of these, I finished secondary school attended the University of Port Harcourt and now hold a doctorate degree.

Quote 44
I was not born rich and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up.

Quote 45
As the most populous black nation on earth it seems our manifest destiny is to champion the cause of African emancipation and integration.

Quote 46
African renaissance remains an unfinished business, but the work that remains should not stop us from focusing on new priorities and challenges.

Quote 47
I am happy that the black man has put the shame of dispossession behind him and is moving on.

Quote 48
The dark patches in the Niger Delta will give way to light.

Quote 49
On the football field, nobody cares who scores for Nigeria. You can be a Musa or a Moses; you can be a Christopher or a Mustapha, nobody cares.

Quote 50

We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

Quote 51
Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

Quote 52
No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

Quote 53
Africa must declare an end to the era of self-inflicted wars and conflicts.

Quote 54
Africa must turn its begging bowls into baskets of prosperity and opportunity.

Quote 55
It is the supreme task of this generation to give hope to the hopeless strength to the weak and protection to the defenseless.

Quote 56
We must develop a democratic culture in which the will of the people will be treated as sacred and be immune to subversion by anti-democratic elements.

Quote 57
As we strive to advance our democratic development, there will be times when our will shall be tested, our patience provoked and our belief questioned.

Quote 58
The beauty of democracy is that its practice is never final and always has room for improvement no matter how old a democratic society may be. Where we falter we must not fall. When we are weak, we
must not surrender.

MODEL JOURDAN DUNN LOOKS FABULOUS IN NEW FOOT WEAR CAMPAIGN AD

 Jourdan Dunn’s stars in new footwear campaign for premium footwear brand Buscemi. Jourdan is 25 years old,she model posed in racy lingerie and bold coloured sneakers in a number of eye grabbing editorial shots, check them out below.

 

LOOK WHAT UTI POSTED ON HIS INSTAGRAM WALL

Uti Nwachukwu has left us confused o...... I prefer his look in dreads sha. My opinion 

MUSIC MEETS RUNWAY FIVE STAR SEEKS NEXT RISING ICON AND TOP MODEL

Nigeria’s most anticipated event this year – the 2015 Music Meets Runway (MMR) which takes place on Tuesday 22December at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria is looking for the stars of tomorrow.

Run by Le Reve Events, the annual MMR celebration, which has been running since 2011 fuses the best of fashion and music in Africa, bringing together some of Africa’s finest creative artists and showcasing their talents to a huge audience.The Rising Icon and Face of MMR competitions are run by the MMR Foundation, a charitable foundation which aims to support and empower emerging talent across the arts through the provision of grants for young entrepreneurs and models, giving them more opportunities to break into this very challenging market.The Rising Icon competition gives emerging designers from Nigeria the opportunity to showcase their talents in a way that can benefit their careers by providing them with extra exposure and support. First launched in 2013, with the help of sponsors Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, a grant of 3 million naira was given to the winner Olakunbi Oyelese, the Creative Director of fashion label April by Kunbi.

Last year, Ogochukwu Akabogu, the Creative Director of the brand Lines by Chaab won the competition. Ogochukwu received an all-expense sponsored trip to New York for an internship with a fashion house to gain further experience abroad.

“Winning the MMR Rising Icon competition gave me an indescribable experience, my status as a fashion designer has taken on a whole different and better level, the number of clients I’ve gotten since I won has escalated, the publicity has been awesome and the internship in New York is truly a great initiative, I can’t wait to put all my experience to good use on getting back to Nigeria. Thank you MMR for giving young fashion designers like myself the opportunity to pursue my career in the fashion industry whole heartedly”

To enter the MMR Rising Icon competition, please follow the instructions below:

• Send your application to risingicon@musicmeetsrunway.com
• Attach at least 4 professional photos of your designs, 1 photo of yourself.
• Attach a mini biography of yourself and your brand.
• The deadline for all applications is 30th November 2015
• 2012’s Face of MMR winner Nkem Okafor was the main model for all of the MMR 2013 campaign images, and the MMR Foundation sponsored her trip to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week South Africa.

• ‘When I heard my name announced on stage, and all I thought was all my hard work and dedication has finally paid off. I tried not to cry but I did privately. Till today, this has been the best experience of my life. After the show, I did loads of interviews; my name and face were all around the country on billboards, blogs, magazines etc. My career skyrocketed; I was being called for shows everywhere, got booked for look books and several magazines. My career and my entire life changed after winning The Face of MMR, this gave me validation that I was in the right path with my career and this motivated me further to do more. Thank you MMR for believing in a small town girl and changing my life, I will be forever grateful’