Speeches

M-Net Face Of Africa 2010, The Governor's Ball

Feb 5, 2010 - When M-Net first approached the Lagos State Government to consult with us regarding their plans to bring the Face of Africa Finale to this city, we found that moment to be significant in and of its own right.

It demonstrated once again the appeal and ability of Lagos to provide leading African and International organizations and companies with the right environment in which to host their Landmark events; in which to gather their key stakeholders, in which to do business.

We have long understood that as Africa moves forward, embracing new opportunities for growth and development, this city in the heart of West Africa where trade and commerce are the lifeblood of economic prosperity, where so much opportunity still exists, with so much potential, this city would be at the forefront of that future.

Projects like the M-Net Face of Africa provide a platform from which the vibrant and dynamic nature of Lagos can be profiled to the business community, both on this continent and abroad.

Further it allows Lagos State the opportunity to showcase this State to global investors' and captains of industry as a destination which is relevant in the African context, and which offers real insight into the enterprising and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Tonight, looking around this room, I am heartened to see very much in evidence proof that Africans embrace Nigeria and Lagos as we embrace them. I see Kenyans, South Africans, Namibians, Angolans, and many more nationalities represented in this room, all together to celebrate a very special project.

Partnership is without a doubt the cornerstone on which we build tomorrow's successes and so to those diplomats, those leaders, those business people who have taken this opportunity to be here in Lagos this weekend, your representation speaks to the power of a wider" more connected African community.

The State of Lagos acknowledges your support and does not underestimate the role that you too will play in taking back to your homes and to your countries a positive outlook on all that Nigeria and Lagos can offer and can be.

But tonight, the focus is on M-Net's Face of Africa.

For a decade this pioneering competition has stood apart, a project to celebrate African women as they take their places on the international stage.

The very first initiative of its kind, what began as a modeling competition has grown into an undeniable symbol of empowerment, built on the premise that today's generation of African women will open the doors for the next and for the generations to come.

And so we commend M-Net and MultiChoice for recognizing the value of combining private enterprise with public administration and working hand in hand with state and local government, for not just financial gain but for social development and for creating a lasting, tangible legacy.

This is what attracts the State of Lagos to the M-Net Face of Africa initiative.

Like this prestigious project, we too believe in investing in people and what they can achieve; to looking beyond ourselves to a space we can occupy on a larger stage; to pioneering new paths, to building confidence and to innovating to remain at the forefront.

As M-Net celebrates a decade with Face of Africa, cherishing its iconic history while striding into a new chapter with its FINALE right here in Nigeria where the first Face of Africa was found, so too does the Lagos State Government seek to combine the history, culture, heritage and tradition of this city with the new landscapes of its future and the new infrastructure that development must bring.

Among those development projects that the Lagos State Government is most proud of is Eko Atlantic City and The Ehingbeti summit. These are just two examples of commitment in action, of resources meeting potential and of creation meeting demand.

So tomorrow evening ladies and gentlemen, as you enjoy the glamour and style of a night of" fashion and celebration, remember too that Lagos mirrors so many of the same attributes that take a different form on the runway.

As good designers aspire to create garments that are inspiring with beauty and strength while remaining functional and marketable, so too does Lagos merge its natural resilience and tenacity with increasing capacity to welcome the world to our shores. As a successful model can put her best foot forward, so too do many, many Lagosians daily as they step relentlessly into a new era driven by their ambitions, their dreams and their hopes.

And hope is ultimately what tomorrow evening is about.

For ten young women those hopes will culminate as they take their moment in the spotlight in a television show that will be screened live across 47 countries in Africa on DSTV"

To these Top 10 models, I wish the very best of luck as they head out on stage. Your hard work, focus and determination in getting to the pinnacle of this competition are a good example to other young people across Africa and you must be applauded for your efforts.

To the designers, both the 10 talented creators from Nigeria and their counterparts of the rest of Africa, we look forward in anticipation to what you will unveil tomorrow.

To the management of M-Net and MultiChoice, we are confident that tomorrow will mark another milestone in your contribution to the development of television in Africa.

You have a responsibility to continue to deliver good quality African programming to African audiences, and I am pleased to say that it is evident that you take these expectations seriously and act with the necessary consideration.

I am hopeful that you will continue to operate in this manner to benefit both you and those customers you serve.

At this time ladies and gentlemen, I would like to conclude my address by thanking you all for your time and your presence at this auspicious occasion. I would also like to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of my fellow Nigerians and welcome you officially to the great state of Lagos and the unforgettable city of Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, and in my view the fashion capital of Africa.

And finally, in closing, I encourage each and every one of you to enjoy all that this city has to .offer as you celebrate the M-Net FACE OF AFRICA 2010, live from Lagos!

Eko o ni baje o

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State