1. You’re 16 years old, winner of 2012 Nigeria’s Next Super Model, and you’ve just beaten several other models to claim the coveted New Face of the Year Award. How does it feel?
It feels so good! I looked at myself and said, Favour, God is really watching over you. At 14 I won Nigeria’s Next Super Model – which is definitely the biggest platform in Africa for promoting models. I won a brand-new car worth 25 000 dollars, a ticket to the USA, and trips to Cape Town and Joburg.
2. How did you get into modelling?
Someone saw me and said, ‘I think you should try and [compete] for Nigeria’s Next Super Model. However, because I was still in secondary school I did not think I would be able to cope. So when I won, I was totally shocked. Since winning, I have done Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa twice, Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Cape Town and Johannesburg, New York Fashion Week, the 100 Black Women of America show, The Ethical Show in Washington, DC, produced by Rosemary Kokuhilwa, and so many other shows.
3. Where were you when you heard about your nomination?
I was in class and someone said go to Facebook and Instagram – I think you were nominated for something. I was very happy.
4. Before the winner was announced, how did you feel?
I said to myself, just the nomination alone is something. I am only 16 and I pray to God that I still have many years ahead of me for modelling.
5. What does winning this award mean for your career?
Everything – I hope I can ride on this for a long time. I thank Nigeria’s Next Super Model for discovering me and Mrs Joan Okorodudu, promoter of Nigeria’s Next Super Model and owner of Isis Models, for helping me get international exposure. I would like to do advertising campaigns and model in Milan and Paris. I am due to model in London soon.
6. Growing up, who were the models who inspired you?
Bunmi Ademokoya from Isis Models, Aisha Bello, Naomi Campbell and many others. Bunmi just did the Desigual show with the Victoria’s Secret girls and was the MAC face for SS15 New York Fashion Week, which was very good for our agency.
7. Were the awards your first time in South Africa? What was the highlight of your trip (besides winning)?
I have been to South Africa several times. I love to shop and I look forward to shopping much more often!
8. What’s on your agenda now? Your plans for the future?
I’m going to New York in January and I am so looking forward to it. I’m also forward to my visit to Milan – and to becoming one of Africa’s and the world’s top models.
post originially posted on Elle.co.za
