On November 26, 2010, at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, played host to a world class array of guest for the 2010 edition of Nigeria’s Next Super Model. The NNSM award running for its fourth consecutive session was a gathering of sophisticated world class industry shakers and movers.

The NNSM is a fashion contest designed to bringing out the best in aspiring models and pushing them to the limelight. The proprietor of this proudly Nigerian brand, Joan Okorodudu; also owner of the fashion house- House of Jola stated that this year’s edition of the NNSM was in conjunction with the French Fashion week.

The night stood still to the expertise of world acclaimed “backstage queen” Amina Benjamin and
top European designers Dany Atrache, Arrey Koow who all showcased their exceptional designs.

Top-notch personalities present at the Eko Hotel and Suites Expo Hall included the French ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Michel Dumond and some other diplomatic heads. The event was anchored by former Mr. Nigeria and Isis model, Bryan Okwara. Top designers on sight included Modella Clothing Line, Kirette Couture- owned by Cameroonian designers Kibonen Nfi and Anrette Ngafor. Some of the designs worn by the models are the House of Jola, Mai Clothing, and Khadija from Paris. Amina Benjamin, popularly known for her backstage works with Victoria Secrets and also producer of BET ‘Rip the Runway’, who teamed with NNSM to project one of Africa’s greatest modelling events and best models.

Also sighted was Nigerian Tinu’, a former NNSM contestant she said, “It felt good, though there were a lot of challenges and competition, it was good. Though I did not win the contest I feel proud to be one of the contestants.”

Biola Boris, also one of the NNSM models who teamed up in the fashion production for the NNSM and co-producing with Aminah Benjamin from New York. Briefly chatting with Jamati, Biola Boris highlighted her role in this year’s NNSM award, the experience and challenges.

“It has been really challenging, considering the fact that we worked with two international and two local designers. If you see a lot of French people it’s because they are interested in the Nigerian fashion industry. Some of the models will be invited to the French fashion week in Paris in February.

Despite avenues for misunderstandings, we have been reasonably matured and accommodating of the dynamic cultures we were exposed to.”

Judges at this year’s NNSM include Larry K  Ojomo, Miss Linda Ikeji, Omowunmi Akinifesi, Princess Aisha, Alero Halleno, Nikki Kirhan, Prince Oyeforo, Princess Latifah, Tewa Onasanya, Sally Bawalagos, and Aminah Benjamin.

Crowning the night of glitz and glamour was the crowning of the 2010 NNSM winner Claudia Adelu by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Michel Dumond, while the other 17 contestants looked on in delight.