[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] The Bellafricana ACE Awards 2017 day was marked and Nigeria remains breath-taking following the first and spectacular launch of Bellafricana ACE Awards 2017 which took place on the 17th of April, 2017 at D-Venue, Water Corporation Drive, Off Ligali Ayorinde, Lagos, Nigeria.
You can almost still feel the excitement in the air resonating from the crowds on the day to witness this laudable event, the first of its kind in Nigeria and the whole of Africa. [/dropcap]
It was a one day event which kicked off with an Exhibition display of 60 Creative brands and a Conference with 7 speakers; Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, Mrs Lola Coker-Esu, Mr Tobi Asehinde, Ms Sade Bembatoum-Young, Mr Lanre Adisa represented by Mr Lekan Lawal, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, Mrs Femi Olayebi and Mrs Abosede Alimi.
The peak of the event was a red carpet awards dinner which was opened by Prince Yemisi Shyllon. There was Live music, Live string art and speed art, poetry, comedy and much more. In attendance were over 200 beautiful and distinguished guests, from art creators, art collectors, Executives, Delegates, Captains of Industry and stake holders.
Without a doubt, the first Bellafricana African Creative Exhibition and Awards (ACE Awards 2017) was a success with over 2000 overall attendees, 60 exhibitors from all over Nigeria showcase their creative and innovative Quality Made-in-Nigeria works to the delight of the audience.
“We fancied this platform for offering exhibitors from all over Nigeria the opportunity to showcase their creative and innovative Quality Made-in-Nigeria works to the delight of the audience,” Asehinde said, adding that young people shouldn’t keep waiting on the Government for necessary financial backing, hence the exhibition has shown Nigerians can be productive.
“We have created a platform in the way of Bellafricana to connect these Afrocentric creative businessesenterprise; they are maximising raw materials in Nigeria (Africa), providing employment for local talents within the country and creating wealth for the Nation,” she explained.
Several awards were given out at the gala event. Asah Bara won “Best Emerging Artist”, Adire Lounge won “Best Indigenous Textile Designer”, Nubian Roots won “Best Emerging Beauty Brand”, The Potters Signature won “Best Emerging Fashion Brand”, Iyin Creative won “Best Creative Solution (ICT)”, Adekunle Gold won “ Best Supportive Made-in-Nigeria Celebrity of the Year”, MitiMeth won “Best Eco-friendly Product Innovation”, August Secrets won “Best Innovative Product of the Year”.
Also, Proverbs Creations won “Best Pioneer Craftsman/woman of the Year”, Nellies won, “Best Food Produce Innovation”, Simi’s Bakehouse won” Best Creative Kid Entepreneur”, She Writes Woman won “Best Creative Social Enterprise of the Year”, Always me by Anne Li won “Best Creative Kids Brand”, Parliamo Bambini won “Best Emerging Home & Lifestyle Brand”, Serenity Luxury from South Africa won “Best Emerging African Brand” SA.
See winners videos here: event.bellafricana.com/acewinner
This first edition leaves attendees with joy and hope for Nigeria. If a small group of people can come together to celebrate and encourage other creative Nigerians to look inwards and create more globally acceptable brands, then there sure is a bright future ahead for Nigeria (Africa). This leaves us wanting and looking forward to the next edition of Bellafricana ACE Awards 2018.
Here are some pictures from Bellafricana ACE Awards 2017 below;
Exhibition Gallery
Conference Gallery
Dinner Gallery
Thanks for reading.
To see more pictures go to event.bellafricana.com/event-gallery
To see videos of ACE Awards winners 2017 go to event.bellafricana.com/acewinner
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