The first Bellafricana African Creative Exhibition and Awards (ACE Awards 2017) has recorded successes with over 2000 overall attendees, 60 exhibitors drawn indigenous industries to showcase their creative and innovative Quality Made-in-Nigeria works to the delight of the audience.
The day was marked with a breath-taking launch of Bellafricana ACE Awards 2017 which took place recently in 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, said Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, while assessing the award ceremony.
The event which kicked off with an Exhibition display of 60 Creative brands and a Conference with seven speakers- Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, Mrs Lola Coker-Esu, Mr Tobi Asehinde, Ms Sade Bembatoum-Young, Mr LanreAdisa represented by Mr LekanLawal, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, Mrs Femi Olayebi and Mrs Abosede Alimi, it also featured over 200 beautiful and distinguished guests, from art creators, art collectors, executives, delegates, captains of industry and stake holders.
“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 businesses; 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”, and 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.
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”, Asehinde said.
