Monday, 16 November 2009
How to leverage your money
(Biz tool Kids)
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
IN an inflationary economy such as this with deepening economic crisis, without leverage, most workers cannot put enough money aside for their future because the more money they save, the less valuable it becomes. Leveraging makes your money work harder for you by using other people’s money. But one advice from my mentor: never borrow to buy an asset you don’t have control over.
If an investor therefore lacks the financial intelligence to control an investment, the use of leverage becomes risky and even suicidal.
This is the major flaw with paper assets such as savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and index funds, where the investor lacks control. And because you lack control, it is difficult and risky to apply leverage.
Like Robert admits, using leverage to invest in something you do not control would be like buying a car without a steering wheel and then stomping on the accelerator.
Most people that were hurt during the recent stock market meltdown in Nigeria thought their investments in stocks would keep going up and up.
Many borrowed thousands and millions to acquire more stocks in the hope of selling at a higher price and making some capital gain from it, while some even borrowed using their existing portfolio as collateral. Since they had no control over the investment, they were at the mercy of the market.
When the market came tumbling, their investments came tumbling too. Their investments (and calculated net worth) melted like butter in the sun.
What is leverage? In simple terms, leverage is doing more with less. I will be looking at this from the following perspectives.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Money (OPM). My advice is, if you have to borrow, or use bank’s money to carry out your project, you need to mind two things: You need to have control over the business or project. You need to have done your due diligence on the project before asking for any form of financing.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Knowledge and Skill (OPKS). When Microsoft, now the world’s leading software manufacturer started business, Bill Gates and his partner Paul Allen were just techies. They lacked managerial skills and competence needed to manoeuvre the business. They had to invite Steve Ballmer, a Harvard MBA product and Microsoft’s current CEO, to come on board to steer the management of the company while they focused on writing software programmes. Steve Ballmer’s inclusion on board changed and skyrocketed the fame and fortunes of the company. They couldn’t pay him at the time; so they settled for stock options with him. Ballmer’s shareholding in Microsoft today makes him a multi-billionaire. Leverage may come to you as the knowledge, skills or abilities (KSA) that somebody can contribute to your business or project.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Credibility (OPC). There are few Nigerians whose uncommon and very successful achievements have made them the toast of board selections in many blue-chip companies in the country. Chief Gamaliel Onosode, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Professor Pat Utomi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, inter alia, are among this rare class of Nigerians. Imagine floating a business and getting one of these men on board as chairman, the Nigerian corporate environment will respond positively to your business. But you have to make sure you don’t tarnish the image and reputation of such people which they’ve built over the years.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Assets (OPA). Sometimes, people have started businesses by leveraging on the assets provided by certain individuals to them. I know a business that the first car the company had was provided by a shareholder as his own contribution to the business. Another individual provided a completed building as his own contribution to a group of people who were starting a microfinance bank.
Leverage could also mean Other People’s Contacts or Network (OPCN). In this case, somebody might provide you contacts that can help you secure a contract, implement a project or get financing for a project. This also could be a form of leveraging.
In other words, leveraging does not only connote money. It could also involve or require some other intangible but very important assets.
As a business person, you may not need money for a project, all you may require is someone’s credibility, contacts or knowledge to achieve your laid-down objectives. When you identify the form of leverage you need, then identify those who can likely provide it and find out what you might need to provide to secure that leverage.
Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd, bridgetolotu@gmail.com
O what a weekend!
(Strictly for the yoUNG)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
LAST weekend was one of those weekends. I guess one could call it the weekend of money, money, money, and all that jazz!
First off was Friday!
The promotion had been going on for a while now, and no matter what everyone thought deep down, we all dutifully sent in our texts with our names and location. But only one person could win $1 million. And like I always like to repeat and clarify; not naira oh, but dollars!
The winner?
Kizito Egeonu, a 400 level student of Medicine at University of Jos! On Thursday, he probably had some thousands of naira in his account, and by Saturday, well, after fainting of course, he was N150 million richer!
It got quite a bit of us thinking. First was lucky dude! Or ‘I hate him’! But after all of that, our thoughts all went to the money and what we would do if we had won it! And try as I might, I still have not been able to map out what I would do with an amount like that!
Is it not funny how we sometimes sit and say we want to do this and that and build this and go here and see there?
And we just know that all we need is the money and we would fly. Then sometimes, we get all we wished for in our laps but then realise we have no clue where to fly to? Err... It is important to think before the opportunities come oh, so that by the time they come...
In the meantime, if Kizito is wondering what to do with the money?
Well, he can buy three BussCars and start a cross country business. He can buy breakfast lunch and dinner for all his schoolmates for four years. Or buy my favourite drink for everyone in Nigeria. I think he should just please remember that we both s.h.a.r.e Adam as a forefather. He should therefore see me as a cousin and write me a cheque!
THAT was just one half of the fantastic Friday!
The other half, which made it really complete and totally beautiful, was the Muson Jazz Festival.
Festival held on Friday and Saturday and featured artistes like Bright Gain, Beautiful Nubia, and Mfon. Dan Foster hosted it, and yours truly co-hosted!
Now, I love music. But I probably would reach for a rock album before a jazz album. Well, that was until I saw Jimmy Dludlu perform live at Muson Centre!
If you ever get the opportunity to see Beautiful Nubia, Pure and Simple, Bright Gain, 5 YZ Men, Mfon, Biodun Batik and indeed Jimmy Dludlu perform live, seize the opportunity! For they will deliver to you, live music like never before. It was a truly inspiring and borderline spiritual experience! New acts like JD, Kafayat and Q, were also showcased on Friday Night!
In all, it was a peaceful weekend, spent rejoicing for a total stranger, and hanging out with some of the biggest names in alternative music.
What more could one ask for?
(Well, maybe MY name should have popped up during that draw jo!)
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
IN an inflationary economy such as this with deepening economic crisis, without leverage, most workers cannot put enough money aside for their future because the more money they save, the less valuable it becomes. Leveraging makes your money work harder for you by using other people’s money. But one advice from my mentor: never borrow to buy an asset you don’t have control over.
If an investor therefore lacks the financial intelligence to control an investment, the use of leverage becomes risky and even suicidal.
This is the major flaw with paper assets such as savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and index funds, where the investor lacks control. And because you lack control, it is difficult and risky to apply leverage.
Like Robert admits, using leverage to invest in something you do not control would be like buying a car without a steering wheel and then stomping on the accelerator.
Most people that were hurt during the recent stock market meltdown in Nigeria thought their investments in stocks would keep going up and up.
Many borrowed thousands and millions to acquire more stocks in the hope of selling at a higher price and making some capital gain from it, while some even borrowed using their existing portfolio as collateral. Since they had no control over the investment, they were at the mercy of the market.
When the market came tumbling, their investments came tumbling too. Their investments (and calculated net worth) melted like butter in the sun.
What is leverage? In simple terms, leverage is doing more with less. I will be looking at this from the following perspectives.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Money (OPM). My advice is, if you have to borrow, or use bank’s money to carry out your project, you need to mind two things: You need to have control over the business or project. You need to have done your due diligence on the project before asking for any form of financing.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Knowledge and Skill (OPKS). When Microsoft, now the world’s leading software manufacturer started business, Bill Gates and his partner Paul Allen were just techies. They lacked managerial skills and competence needed to manoeuvre the business. They had to invite Steve Ballmer, a Harvard MBA product and Microsoft’s current CEO, to come on board to steer the management of the company while they focused on writing software programmes. Steve Ballmer’s inclusion on board changed and skyrocketed the fame and fortunes of the company. They couldn’t pay him at the time; so they settled for stock options with him. Ballmer’s shareholding in Microsoft today makes him a multi-billionaire. Leverage may come to you as the knowledge, skills or abilities (KSA) that somebody can contribute to your business or project.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Credibility (OPC). There are few Nigerians whose uncommon and very successful achievements have made them the toast of board selections in many blue-chip companies in the country. Chief Gamaliel Onosode, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Professor Pat Utomi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, inter alia, are among this rare class of Nigerians. Imagine floating a business and getting one of these men on board as chairman, the Nigerian corporate environment will respond positively to your business. But you have to make sure you don’t tarnish the image and reputation of such people which they’ve built over the years.
Leverage could mean Other People’s Assets (OPA). Sometimes, people have started businesses by leveraging on the assets provided by certain individuals to them. I know a business that the first car the company had was provided by a shareholder as his own contribution to the business. Another individual provided a completed building as his own contribution to a group of people who were starting a microfinance bank.
Leverage could also mean Other People’s Contacts or Network (OPCN). In this case, somebody might provide you contacts that can help you secure a contract, implement a project or get financing for a project. This also could be a form of leveraging.
In other words, leveraging does not only connote money. It could also involve or require some other intangible but very important assets.
As a business person, you may not need money for a project, all you may require is someone’s credibility, contacts or knowledge to achieve your laid-down objectives. When you identify the form of leverage you need, then identify those who can likely provide it and find out what you might need to provide to secure that leverage.
Olotu is the CEO/Lead Consultant, DEAIM Innovative Resources Ltd, bridgetolotu@gmail.com
O what a weekend!
(Strictly for the yoUNG)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
LAST weekend was one of those weekends. I guess one could call it the weekend of money, money, money, and all that jazz!
First off was Friday!
The promotion had been going on for a while now, and no matter what everyone thought deep down, we all dutifully sent in our texts with our names and location. But only one person could win $1 million. And like I always like to repeat and clarify; not naira oh, but dollars!
The winner?
Kizito Egeonu, a 400 level student of Medicine at University of Jos! On Thursday, he probably had some thousands of naira in his account, and by Saturday, well, after fainting of course, he was N150 million richer!
It got quite a bit of us thinking. First was lucky dude! Or ‘I hate him’! But after all of that, our thoughts all went to the money and what we would do if we had won it! And try as I might, I still have not been able to map out what I would do with an amount like that!
Is it not funny how we sometimes sit and say we want to do this and that and build this and go here and see there?
And we just know that all we need is the money and we would fly. Then sometimes, we get all we wished for in our laps but then realise we have no clue where to fly to? Err... It is important to think before the opportunities come oh, so that by the time they come...
In the meantime, if Kizito is wondering what to do with the money?
Well, he can buy three BussCars and start a cross country business. He can buy breakfast lunch and dinner for all his schoolmates for four years. Or buy my favourite drink for everyone in Nigeria. I think he should just please remember that we both s.h.a.r.e Adam as a forefather. He should therefore see me as a cousin and write me a cheque!
THAT was just one half of the fantastic Friday!
The other half, which made it really complete and totally beautiful, was the Muson Jazz Festival.
Festival held on Friday and Saturday and featured artistes like Bright Gain, Beautiful Nubia, and Mfon. Dan Foster hosted it, and yours truly co-hosted!
Now, I love music. But I probably would reach for a rock album before a jazz album. Well, that was until I saw Jimmy Dludlu perform live at Muson Centre!
If you ever get the opportunity to see Beautiful Nubia, Pure and Simple, Bright Gain, 5 YZ Men, Mfon, Biodun Batik and indeed Jimmy Dludlu perform live, seize the opportunity! For they will deliver to you, live music like never before. It was a truly inspiring and borderline spiritual experience! New acts like JD, Kafayat and Q, were also showcased on Friday Night!
In all, it was a peaceful weekend, spent rejoicing for a total stranger, and hanging out with some of the biggest names in alternative music.
What more could one ask for?
(Well, maybe MY name should have popped up during that draw jo!)
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Youths arise in Abuja
YOUTHS in the Federal Capital Territory had a refreshing, educative, informative, and empowering session with some of the country’s outstanding individuals such as Mr. Foluso Phillips, Executive Chairman, Phillips Consulting Limited; Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, Special Assistant to the Vice President of The World Bank; Mrs. Eugenia Abu, broadcaster and author; Mr. Simon Kolawole, Editor, This Day Newspapers and Mr. Alleluya Atunnyota a.k.a. Ali Baba, CEO, Excusez-Moi at the grand finale of Dare to be Different National Interactive Youth Forum.The RISE National Youth Forum held in seven different venues across the country like Lagos, Owerri, Enugu, Benin, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Abuja with over 35,000 youths in attendance and 35 top-notch facilitators, with different topics varying from Entrepreneurship, Life Style, Personal Development, Career Development and Activism.
Another sensational and emotional part of the programme was when the MTN Project Fame Winner Season 1 – Iyanya Mbuk, shared his life story with the audience, urging them never to give up in face of tough times.
Inyanya narrated how everybody, who initially did not believe in his dream and looked down on him, now believe in him and look up to him.
He recounted how his mother prayed for him before embarking on the Project Fame journey in 2008, his trials and fears in the Academy, and his eventual success as the MTN Project Fame Season 1 winner.
After that he entertained the audience with musical tracks from his new released Album. Free copies of his CDs were given to the participants.
Some of the participants spoke afterward. In the words of Opaola Oluwagbemiga, “the interactive forum is the best thing that has happened to me in the last six months.”
For Osagie Lauren, “the event set me on fire oh! No it should be ablaze.”
Kay Aluka believes that with a programme as this, “there is hope for Nigeria.”
Girls... Mind your life
BY GBENGA ADETUNJI
RECENTLY, Joy Akwara, in collaboration with Zealous Youth Ministries, staged a creative workshop for young and single ladies.Held at the Sweet Sensation, Alagomeji, Lagos, the event, which attracted a lot of ladies, was aimed at educating them on how to spot wrong relationships.
Themed DIVAS Conference, it was a self-esteemed clinic, where single ladies diagnosed themselves of healthy, low, or overly high self-esteem through the principles taught.
Akwara, the convener of the conference, pointed out the principles ladies should imbibe towards having a healthy self-esteem. She stressed that every lady is wired a diva, unsurpassed by countless others.
She said everyone has a built-in alert system and that they all vary. From spiritual to mental and then to the physical types of Red alert.
President and vice president respectively of Pinkbelle Foundation, Bolatito Junaid and Funsho Williams, who were guest speakers at the event lectured the ladies on breast cancer and its prevention.
Self examination exercises were taught and the participants practised touching their breasts in the hall.
Breast Confidence was taught the ladies, no matter how small or big they were. Participants asked a variety of questions that were tackled by Akwara. She warned ladies never to evaluate themselves based on the negative stories that the media circulate ab out them.
Book Trek: When literature goes Hiking
Heralded on its eve by an 8pm talkshow on 91.1 Lion FM, -with Eghosa Imasuen and Onyeka Nwelue as guests- the Nsukka Book Trek began at 11:30am on Saturday,the 7th of Nvwember, 2009 at the Faculty of Arts Boardroom, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, instead of the much publicized eleven. Silk-voiced Lorenzo Menakaya of the aforenamed radio station kicked off proceedings by reading the address of the unavoidably absent Toyin Akinosho, secretary-general of cultural watchdog and organizers of the event, Committee for Relevant Art,CORA.Enfant-terrible of Nigerian literature, Onyeka Nwelue read from his book, The Abyssinian Boy and then it was the turn of Eghosa Imasuen who followed suit with his To Saint Patrick. An interactive session with the audience -that quite encouragingly filled three-quarters of the hall- followed.
There was a second reading session where both authors participated. Afterwards, a member of the Drumline Media Crew, Drumline’s Small Talk columnist, Macdonald Ugonna Ukah, read some pages from The Abyssinian Boy. It was a portion where magical realism was the central theme. So, it set the tone for a second Q&A session. Imasuen read from a part in his book -scene of a cabinet meeting- that drew laughter from the audience, especially at the line that described a character, MKO Abiola, talking and simultaneously munching on doughnuts. Nwelue read again. Imasuen too.
Lorenzo moderated all the interactive sessions, lacing the periods with his legendary quips, especially during the last. Members of the audience asked both authors questions about their books and the subject of writing in general. Imasuen answered in his trademark pidgin-sliced-into-English, pausing intermittently to either snack on a prawn cracker or chocolate bar or sip from his can of chilled Amstel Malta; Nwelue in his unique geeky pose.
The highlight of the event was the reading of the story, ‘The Geenrator:I Better Pass My Neighbour’, an Eghosa Imasuen short story during the workshop session. The bpurpose was to portray the tips and suggestions he’d earlier on given with respect to manuscript and story development and it was a near-perfect example. There was no single paragrap[h that wasn’t hilarious and reflective of the gospel of causality he was preaching.
The trek ended at 4;24pm, a little over an hour past the supposed end-time but attendees were too immersed in the autograph-cum-snapshoot session that ended it to even notice.
And as everyone left to go take their delayed lunches after pumping the hand of Drumline Media personnel present, there was a smile on each of their faces.
Eromo Egbejule is a student of the University of Nigeria and editor of a campus newspaper, Drumline which collaborated with Committee for Relevant Art, CORA in organizing the Nsukka Book Trek. He has a blog -www.thebarbecuerepubliik.blogspot.com- and is currently working on his first novel.
Turning charcoal to gold
THE first thing notable about this lawyer who abandoned that career path for the arts, is his confidence. The youngman knows exactly why he is where he is and how far he wants to go. We sat him down for a probe:
Who is Laolu Senbanjo?
First of two children. I hail from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, I’m a bachelor in my 20s, studied law at the University of IIorin. I attended the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. I have participated in various art exhibitions (British Council W.A.P.I., Art Pyramid Exhibitions at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja); I love to do music, I play the guitar, and I’m a singer and music producer. I have a few tracks on air in Abuja; one of which is ‘baby kos kos’, which topped the cool FM’s Abuja top 10 in the recent past. I currently work with NN24, a news TV station. I’m the kind of person who likes to have fun while I work... I use art to express my views, forms and imaginations
Afro-mysterics... hmm, what’s that about?
‘Afro’ means African, ‘mysterics’ means mystery. Afro-mysterics is the language of my art. It simply means the mystery of the African thought. My patterns speak of mysteries, which cannot be comprehended by the shallow minded. I love to tell stories with my art.
Why did you venture into arts?
First for the passion, secondly for the arts. It’s something I have always loved to do besides singing and law practice...
From law to arts…
I would rather say from arts to law because I have been drawing right from my secondary school days. I did Fine Arts in my WAEC (West African Examinations Council) exams and had a distinction.
What was it like starting up an arts gallery?
Having a gallery is very essential to every artist. It gives the artist a platform where his/her works can be seen and he can also get feedback. Unfortunately, in this part of the world financial constraints makes it difficult for young and aspiring artists to have galleries of their own.
Tell us about you project ‘Narratives of a busy life?...Are you into other things other than your art?
“Narratives of a busy mind”? Works of art that tell stories are called narratives. Simply put the narratives of Laolu Senbanjo’s mind. Most of my works are very busy and that is a reflection of what’s inside..
It’s a perennial question, but do you think the arts are well embraced in Nigeria ?
Not many Nigerians appreciate art for the value, sometimes people want to put a ‘price’ to art works like tomatoes or pepper in the market.. A few intellectuals do appreciate art. Some others will say funny things like African art is demonic. (laughter).
You use charcoal for your art, any reason behind this?
I just love the way it dissolves on white pastel surface. It allows for intricate details in shades of monochrome it also encourages a free expressive style. It can be deliberately blended to create moody and atmospheric effect, which is very appealing. Besides that, charcoal dates back to 30,000 years B.C. It was used to make some of the earliest cave paintings, which can still be viewed today. Also masters like Matisse and Piccasso have made notable works in charcoal.
Are there schools people can learn this art or is more of an inborn talent one has to have?
I think a bit of both. Some people just cannot see light and shadows or understand tone or color combinations it can be learned by those who don’t do it naturally but I think you must have some inner talent to be able to understand and learn!
Have you ever had any exhibition of your works? How was it like?
I had a private art viewing/exhibition last year December 9 at the elephant house Alausa, Ikeja, titled ‘the narratives of a busy mind’. You can view some of the art works that was on display at www.laolusenbanjo.com. It was loads of fun! I met with lots of art lovers and collectors who encountered my work for the first time and loved it. It was an unforgettable experience for me. It was an avenue for a few people to see and experience my kind of art... and I’m looking forward to the next one..
I’m planning for my next exhibition. It will be coming up in the first quarter of 2010. I will keep you posted on the date and venue.
Any plans of taking your art outside Nigeria ?
Yes, a few friends in Europe have shown interest in my works and we are making arrangements to have an exhibition next year.
Advise to upcoming artists like you…
.An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision. Just be yourself do your best and I’ll see u @ the top.
COOL
What do the deposed bank MDs and ex-governors who were caught stealing money have in common? They went to jail, we hailed the courts and the EFCC, and then they claimed they were seriously sick, went back to the courts and got bail – for some, too easily. So when the chief who was former board chairman for the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) was sentenced to a cocktail of jail terms, many Nigerians could be forgiven for thinking it would be same ol’, same ol. But we were all in for a shocker. The courts refused to be drawn into the small stuff – insisting that the hypertension and other “life threatening” ailments mentioned were not proved. And it was back to Kirikiri for the big men accused of playing fancy-free and foot loose with public funds kept in their care. People being made to pay for crimes no matter whose ox is gored? Ultra-cool.
UNCOOL
So now they are kidnapping everyone in sight? This nonsense has to stop. No, really. This week, Nkem Owoh, the actor popularly called Osuofia, was abducted, with the kidnappers requesting as much as N15million. This was the same week that a Niger State permanent secretary as well as a ministerial aide. What is the one string tying all of these together? A group of men and women who have no respect for the human life. This is wrong, wrong – and the police had better start devising a better means of stopping this.
thefuturenigeria@yahoo.com
Dotting on the Frozen dreams
By Bimpe AdebamboLOOKING through the Frozen Dream collection brochure while waiting for the FADAN and VLISCO event to kick off two Sundays ago, I could not help but be mesmerised by its concept.
Every image had a mirrored counterpart from the cover, to the last page and justice was done to the collection by the ebony skinned model that pulled off all the looks.
I come from an art background and I have styled and directed photo shoots for magazines in addition to being a fashion designer and lover of beauty.
What nailed it for me was also the model selection for the actual runway presentation on the day of the show.
When two identical twin models hit the ramp in two outfits that were exactly the same style and textile design but different colour schemes, I knew the moment really had to be frozen!
For Vlisco, international fashion trends and global tendencies are a source of inspiration for each new fabric collection, based on a pre-determined theme and this really shone through, given the global tribal/ethnic trend that is still waxing strong into next summer. Contrast in characteristics, pattern design and shapes.
Flowing, almost handwritten designs exist alongside those with graphic ornaments. While some ones capture your dreams, the double layers in others create a 3D effect, which evokes hallucinations.
At first sight, the collection seems to consist of a total mix but the colour card brings coherence in the gallery of items. With different tones of steely blues, passionate pinks and fierce yellows a linking impression is created. The contrasting cold and warm colours bring balance to the eye-catching designs.
Surreal reflections intensify the impression of contrast. The presence of a mirror is suggested, but what about the colour differences? Confusion awakens you.
With the depth of different designs, the breadth of shapes and the wealth of colours, ‘Frozen Dreams’ leaves lots of room for your own creativity with the vibrant prints.
Whether or not it is a dream, it is all in the mix. ‘Frozen Dreams’ is the best of both worlds.
The textiles are like dreams you wouldn’t want to be awakened from!
beampeh2000@yahoo.com
ace of Sleek Semi finalists emerged
By Oyindamola Lawal One of the top beauty companies, Sleek International, held its semi-final Face of Sleek contest on Saturday, November 14, at The Coral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, and 20 finalists emerged.
Before getting the final winner, the 20 contestants would have to stay under the same roof for a maximum of two weeks undergoing intensive crash programmes in Etiquette, Grooming and Fashion by professionals in preparation for the grand finale billed for November 29, in Lagos.
The regional screening for Face of Sleek kicked off with the first phase held in Abuja. About 90 damsels, most of whom were university undergraduates thronged the Sleek Studio, Blommsbury Plaza office of which 20 were selected.
The search, which is aimed at selecting a brand ambassador for Sleek Nigeria, according to Ify Ugochukwu, MD Sleek hair Nigeria, is also aimed at upholding the essence of the African beauty.
“We are looking for a lady with confidence, a sense of style and good skin. It doesn’t matter, if she is fat or skinny, but we are looking for that singular feature that expresses the total outlook of the African woman. It is about everything that makes you a woman, not just your facial beauty,” she says. Other criteria for selection include grammar, total look, passion and intelligence.
After a rigorous screening session, judges made up of prolific designers Dakova; Ify Ugochukwu, MD Sleek hair; Douglas Nwokocha; Rhythm FM, Abuja, radio DJ, Mrs. Goziem Onuoha; Sleek hair franchisee, Abuja; and Yemisi Suleiman of Vanguard, trimmed the number from about 90 to 20.
The competition was keenly contested by other winners from the regional screening points held in Enugu, Port Harcourt and Lagos, with each region producing 20 contestants. Others that could not be selected went home with diverse Sleek beauty products.
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