“Finura” – The 2012 Capsule Collection Lookbook by Ghanaian Design Label, Mina Evans

After displaying its latest collection Finura – Spanish for “Finesse” – at the just concluded inaugural Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2012, Ghanaian design label, Mina Evans presents the look book for the fab capsule collection.

The collection consists of classic red carpet dresses and versatile separates in statement colours of coral, black, white, grey and navy, accentuated with the label’s signature fringe beading and embellishments in key areas.

Speaking to BN on the collection, the creative director of Mina Evans, Mina Evans-Anfom said “With this capsule collection, the aim was to mature the Mina Evans woman, providing her with versatile pieces for different occasions in her life.”

Finura by Mina Evans Lookbook

T: +233244228120
E: info@minaevansonline.com | mina.evans.a@gmail.com | modemaisonpr@gmail.com
F: www.Facebook.com/MinaEvans
T: @Mina_Evans
W: www.MinaEvansOnline.com

Chicken Republic owners Food Concepts, Fidelity Bank, La Laiterie du Berger & 9 Other African Companies announced as Finalists for the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship

The African Leadership Network, the premier membership network of new generation leaders in Africa, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, today announced 12 finalists for the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.

Chosen from more than 1200 companies and representing eight African nations, the finalists highlight the impressive caliber and diversity of entrepreneurs in the competition. The top 12 represent a range of industries including manufacturing, information technology, education, agribusiness and financial services. The ultimate winners stand to win USD 200 000 in prize money and will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana on 11th October 2012, as part of the African Leadership Network Annual Gathering.

The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship recognize and award exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who serve as role models to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability. The 2012 Awards will recognize winners in four categories:

• Outstanding Small and Growing Business Award, which has a USD 50 000 prize, awarded to a young, remarkable business with revenues between USD 500 000 and USD 5 million;
• Mature Business Award, which has a USD 100 000 grand prize and USD 50 000 runner up prize, awarded to a remarkable African business with revenues between USD 5 million and USD 50 million;
• Transformational Business Award, bestowed on a notable business leader who has had a major socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD 50 million;
• Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred on a senior African business leader who has served as an entrepreneurial icon for several decades and has left an enduring legacy of success in Africa.

“We commend the finalists for their outstanding work and join them in celebrating this tremendous achievement,” commented Fred Swaniker, CEO and co-founder of the African Leadership Network. “The 2012 Awards have been particularly competitive, and these companies represent the finest of a shortlist of 1200 companies from 50 African countries. The African Leadership Network believes that entrepreneurship is critical to building prosperity in Africa. These Awards shine a light on Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs and distinguish them as role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We hope that the recognition will help them have even greater impact on the continent.”

The finalists of the 2012 Awards, by category, are:

Outstanding Small and Growing Business Award

• La Laiterie du Berger: A Senegalese dairy company that sources and processes milk from semi-nomadic Fulani pastoralists living along the Senegal River
• Bloodhound Technology: A South African company that provides real-time personnel tracking and productivity services to leading security companies in the region – www.bloodhoundsa.com
• Bridge International Academies: The company behind the biggest chain of low-cost private schools in Africa that runs 80 academies in Kenya with over 25,000 students – www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com

Mature Business Award

• Food Concepts PLC: An integrated food company that pioneered the food court concept in Nigeria, and one of the largest fast food companies in the country – www.foodconceptsplc.com
• Secure ID Ltd: Nigerian Smart Card manufacturing company that runs the leading Europay, MasterCard and Visa certified card plant in West Africa, one of six such companies in Africa, and 80 worldwide – www.secureidltd.com
• RLG Communications Ghana Ltd: Ghanaian computer and hand-set manufacturing company, and one of the first indigenous African companies that assembles laptops and mobile phones – www.rlgghana.com

Transformational Business Award

• Fidelity Bank Ltd: The fastest growing bank in Ghana that has expanded from one branch in 2006, to being the sixth largest bank in Ghana with 45 branches, a customer base of over 300,000 and deposits of more than USD 500 million in just six years of existence as a fully-fledged bank – www.fidelitybank.com.gh
• Export Trading Group: The leading agricultural commodity supply chain operator in East and Southern Africa, with 75 entities, 60 commodity lines, and presence in 26 countries in Africa, and 40 globally – www.etgworld.com
• Quality Chemicals Industries Ltd: Leading Ugandan life sciences and distribution company that manufactures triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Sub-Sahara Africa – www.qcil.co.ug
• Societe D’Articles Hyginieques: Tunisia’s leading producer of absorbent hygiene products, including baby care, feminine care, incontinence care and related paper products with 45% of the market share in the country
• Orbit Chemicals Industries Limited: Leading Kenyan manufacturer and distributor of commercial cleaning chemicals and hygiene solutions – www.orbitchem.com

The winner for the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced during the Awards Gala Ceremony on 11th October in Accra, Ghana.

The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship was established in 2007 by the Legatum Group to recognize and award business leaders who serve as role models to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs and who demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability. Now in its sixth year of existence, the Awards have grown into Africa’s most prestigious business and entrepreneurship honours. In July 2012, the African Leadership Network won the exclusive licence to host the Awards from Legatum Group. Omidyar Network, the philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives, is sponsoring the awards for the third consecutive year.

“We are very pleased to announce the finalists and congratulate each for their remarkable accomplishments,” said Malik Fal, managing director for Omidyar Network Africa. “At Omidyar Network we are deeply committed to strengthening entrepreneurship in Africa and believe firmly in the power of business to drive positive social impact. We are especially encouraged by the growing success of the Awards, which today are a truly Pan-African institution and a key platform for nurturing an ecosystem in which high-impact entrepreneurs on the continent can thrive. The quality, diversity and number of the entrants demonstrate the immense potential of entrepreneurs to contribute to Africa’s development.”

The 12 finalists were determined after a rigorous screening process that focused on the soundness of the business model, financial health, integrity of business practices, and the contribution to socio-economic development. The Awards now enter the final stage where a panel of eight eminent business leaders will choose the winners for the Awards’ four categories.

The business leaders include Kenyan businessman and investor Chris Kirubi; Karim Sadek, managing director, Citadel Capital, Egypt; Reeta Roy, president and CEO, MasterCard Foundation; Yvonne Ike, CEO for West Africa of the Renaissance Group; Paul Harris, former CEO, FirstRand Limited and professor, University of Stellenbosch; Adedotun Suleiman, founder and chairman of Arian Capital management in Nigeria; and Divine Ndhlukula, founder and CEO of Securicor in Zimbabwe and the overall winner of the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.

Chicken Republic owners Food Concepts, Fidelity Bank, La Laiterie du Berger & 9 Other African Companies announced as Finalists for the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship

The African Leadership Network, the premier membership network of new generation leaders in Africa, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, today announced 12 finalists for the 2012 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.

Chosen from more than 1200 companies and representing eight African nations, the finalists highlight the impressive caliber and diversity of entrepreneurs in the competition. The top 12 represent a range of industries including manufacturing, information technology, education, agribusiness and financial services. The ultimate winners stand to win USD 200 000 in prize money and will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana on 11th October 2012, as part of the African Leadership Network Annual Gathering.

The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship recognize and award exceptional entrepreneurial leaders who serve as role models to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability. The 2012 Awards will recognize winners in four categories:

• Outstanding Small and Growing Business Award, which has a USD 50 000 prize, awarded to a young, remarkable business with revenues between USD 500 000 and USD 5 million;
• Mature Business Award, which has a USD 100 000 grand prize and USD 50 000 runner up prize, awarded to a remarkable African business with revenues between USD 5 million and USD 50 million;
• Transformational Business Award, bestowed on a notable business leader who has had a major socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD 50 million;
• Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred on a senior African business leader who has served as an entrepreneurial icon for several decades and has left an enduring legacy of success in Africa.

“We commend the finalists for their outstanding work and join them in celebrating this tremendous achievement,” commented Fred Swaniker, CEO and co-founder of the African Leadership Network. “The 2012 Awards have been particularly competitive, and these companies represent the finest of a shortlist of 1200 companies from 50 African countries. The African Leadership Network believes that entrepreneurship is critical to building prosperity in Africa. These Awards shine a light on Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs and distinguish them as role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We hope that the recognition will help them have even greater impact on the continent.”

The finalists of the 2012 Awards, by category, are:

Outstanding Small and Growing Business Award

• La Laiterie du Berger: A Senegalese dairy company that sources and processes milk from semi-nomadic Fulani pastoralists living along the Senegal River
• Bloodhound Technology: A South African company that provides real-time personnel tracking and productivity services to leading security companies in the region – www.bloodhoundsa.com
• Bridge International Academies: The company behind the biggest chain of low-cost private schools in Africa that runs 80 academies in Kenya with over 25,000 students – www.bridgeinternationalacademies.com

Mature Business Award

• Food Concepts PLC: An integrated food company that pioneered the food court concept in Nigeria, and one of the largest fast food companies in the country – www.foodconceptsplc.com
• Secure ID Ltd: Nigerian Smart Card manufacturing company that runs the leading Europay, MasterCard and Visa certified card plant in West Africa, one of six such companies in Africa, and 80 worldwide – www.secureidltd.com
• RLG Communications Ghana Ltd: Ghanaian computer and hand-set manufacturing company, and one of the first indigenous African companies that assembles laptops and mobile phones – www.rlgghana.com

Transformational Business Award

• Fidelity Bank Ltd: The fastest growing bank in Ghana that has expanded from one branch in 2006, to being the sixth largest bank in Ghana with 45 branches, a customer base of over 300,000 and deposits of more than USD 500 million in just six years of existence as a fully-fledged bank – www.fidelitybank.com.gh
• Export Trading Group: The leading agricultural commodity supply chain operator in East and Southern Africa, with 75 entities, 60 commodity lines, and presence in 26 countries in Africa, and 40 globally – www.etgworld.com
• Quality Chemicals Industries Ltd: Leading Ugandan life sciences and distribution company that manufactures triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Sub-Sahara Africa – www.qcil.co.ug
• Societe D’Articles Hyginieques: Tunisia’s leading producer of absorbent hygiene products, including baby care, feminine care, incontinence care and related paper products with 45% of the market share in the country
• Orbit Chemicals Industries Limited: Leading Kenyan manufacturer and distributor of commercial cleaning chemicals and hygiene solutions – www.orbitchem.com

The winner for the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced during the Awards Gala Ceremony on 11th October in Accra, Ghana.

The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship was established in 2007 by the Legatum Group to recognize and award business leaders who serve as role models to Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs and who demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability. Now in its sixth year of existence, the Awards have grown into Africa’s most prestigious business and entrepreneurship honours. In July 2012, the African Leadership Network won the exclusive licence to host the Awards from Legatum Group. Omidyar Network, the philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives, is sponsoring the awards for the third consecutive year.

“We are very pleased to announce the finalists and congratulate each for their remarkable accomplishments,” said Malik Fal, managing director for Omidyar Network Africa. “At Omidyar Network we are deeply committed to strengthening entrepreneurship in Africa and believe firmly in the power of business to drive positive social impact. We are especially encouraged by the growing success of the Awards, which today are a truly Pan-African institution and a key platform for nurturing an ecosystem in which high-impact entrepreneurs on the continent can thrive. The quality, diversity and number of the entrants demonstrate the immense potential of entrepreneurs to contribute to Africa’s development.”

The 12 finalists were determined after a rigorous screening process that focused on the soundness of the business model, financial health, integrity of business practices, and the contribution to socio-economic development. The Awards now enter the final stage where a panel of eight eminent business leaders will choose the winners for the Awards’ four categories.

The business leaders include Kenyan businessman and investor Chris Kirubi; Karim Sadek, managing director, Citadel Capital, Egypt; Reeta Roy, president and CEO, MasterCard Foundation; Yvonne Ike, CEO for West Africa of the Renaissance Group; Paul Harris, former CEO, FirstRand Limited and professor, University of Stellenbosch; Adedotun Suleiman, founder and chairman of Arian Capital management in Nigeria; and Divine Ndhlukula, founder and CEO of Securicor in Zimbabwe and the overall winner of the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.

Red Carpet Fab: 2012 Elite Model Look Nigeria Finale

Elohor Aisien

The grand finale of the prestigious male and female model search, Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos – the event created a splendid and stylish sensation.

As BN announced earlier  today, 17 year old, Moyinoluwa Arowoshola won the coveted female category while 18 year old Alvin Dayaffin won the male category and apart from the winners who will soon be strutting the runways of major fashion events and performances by rap star, Lynxxx and his protege, Nedu as well as upcoming music act, G-Lory, the most buzzed about topic was fashion – who was wearing who?

All hail the Queen E! Elohor Aisien, the creative head of BETH Model Management and organizer of the annual competition helping to promote aspiring models – Elite Model Look Nigeria, stunned in a structured bandage dress by Herve Leger by Max Azria. She accessorized her look with silver bracelets and Christian Louboutin heels.

Now,check out BN‘s10 Must See Looks at the finale.

Must See Looks
Kicking off our countdown of  Must See Looks is the all Nigerian sweetheart, Agbani Darego. The former Miss World, who was also among the jury for selecting winners, arrived in a cut-out Bridget Awosika edgy white frock. Agbani kept her look simple and fresh by opting for a sleek up do, diamond stud earrings and black pumps – Way to go girl!

Agbani Darego

She is one of Nigeria’s most entertaining on-air-personalities and at the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 finale, 27 year old Toke Makinwa dazzled in a black Mimi Lee London frock with a see-through skirt. In line with the theme of the night “Black & White”, Toke went all black by accessorizing her outfit with black heels, clutch bag, gold cuffs and silver drop down earrings. On social networking site, Toke spoke on her outfit saying “I look fab in this sexy number”  - and we totally agree, triple HOT!!!

Toke Makinwa

Celebrity photographer and Mavinbot, Toni Tones, lit up the red carpet in a neon dress by Tiannah Styling. Away from the blacks and whites spotted at the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 finale, Toni’s backless dress with a side slit, was one to see. She paired her outfit with a diamond bracelet and ring, black clutch and shoes and an Anna Wintour look-a-like stylish hair do.

Toni Tones

Also in a neon dress was TV presenter, Liz Yemoja. Her plunging neckline and high slit dress which she accessorized with silver pumps was one of the most smoking hot looks of the night.

Liz Yemoja

Designer, Ugonna Omeruo arrived in her label, House of Nwocha’s creation. Stunning in white dress with dramatic black feathered detailing, she accessorized with red stilettos and chandelier black & gold earrings.

Ugonna Omeruo

Former Miss Nigeria, Ene Maya Lawani, stunned in all black ensemble accentuated with crystals.

Ene Maya Lawani

Kele Kele love songstress/Mavin Records first lady, Tiwa Savage was one show stopper of the day, she arrived at the Elite Model Look Nigeria finale in a famous Stella McCartney dress which has been worn by famous celebrities. She accessorized her outfit with black heels, luscious pink lips and bangs hair do.

Tiwa Savage

TV content producer, Ifeanyi Dike Jnr, really made the gents proud in this black suit, which he paired with a white tee, black Italian tie and wrist watch.

Ifeanyi Dike Jnr

Attention! Upcoming music act, G-Lory showed up in a custom orange and black leather ensemble. She accessorized her outfit with a black heels, Diana Ross inspired-hair-do and a Navy hat.

G-Lory

One of Nigeria’s most loved couples, AY and Mabel Makun, were absolutely cute on the black carpet. Dressed in a black suit, the top comedian accessorized with black shades and loafers, while his better half, Mabel, stunned in a white lace dress, a black mini skirt, white clutch and Christian Louboutin pumps.

AY & Mabel Makun

Other must see looks of the night are former Elite Model Look Nigeria winners - Chinwe Princess Ejere and Chika Emmanuella in Bridget Awosika, celebrity stylist, Ezinne Chinkata in Meena, beauty pro, Bola Fadina in Vonne Couture, Jenifa star, Funke Akindele-Oloyede in Grecian inspired white gown, designer, Mai Atafo in his own creation and Goldie in a sheer blouse and black pants.

BN Red Carpet Fab: Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 Finale

Funke Akindele-Oloyede

Lynxxx

Sasha

Frank Edoho

Jumai Shaba

Gbenro Ajibade

Chika Emmanuella

Efe Tommy

Ezinne Chinkata

Denrele

Rekana Sharon-Ojong

Goldie

Dayo Ephraim

Warebi Martha

Mai Atafo

Chinwe Princess Ejere

Nedu

Waje

Dimeji Alara

Omawumi

Bridget Awosika

Obi Obi

Kaylah

Prince Uzoegwu

Bola Fadina

Audu Maikori

Dolapo Oni

Yomi Casual

Yvonne Nwosu

Adebayo Oke-Lawal

Opeyemi Awoyemi

Layole Oyatogun

Veronica Ebie-Odeka

Tayo Shonekan

Franka Ekwy Asindi

Kelechi Amadi-Obi

Makida Moka

Toju Foyeh

Bobo Omotayo

Ijeoma Ndekwu

Didi Ocheja

Ariyike Akinbobola

Feyijimi Sodipo

Fife Aiyesimoju

Ufuoma Koloko

Wonuola Odunsi

Ebi Atawodi

Reze Bonna

Linda Ikeji

Orire Omatsola

Rita

Titi Fowora

Azuka

Ndidi Obioha

Jennifer Olize

Abisola Kola-Daisi

Linda Mesrob

Ene Lise Balogun

Adejoke Adepashe

Lara Rawa

Moyinoluwa Arowoshola

Photo Credit:Kola Oshalusi