Film, pics, and fashion - at the Italian Ambassador's Residence in Abuja

KINABUTI FASHION INITIATIVE (KFI) proudly presented in Abuja on 31st October 2012 at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence a multimedia event tagged IN OUR GHETTO – MOVING EXHIBITION, which was first launched in Lagos in March 2012 and then presented in St. Louis (USA), Chennai (India), Venice and Verona (Italy) throughout this year. 

The ultra glamorous event at the Italian Ambassador’s residence, in addition to red-carpet walks, photo-ops, and lots of foods and drinks, featured the following:

A documentary by MARCUS WERNER-HED, a well-know Swedish filmmaker, who showcased to the world the Kinabuti experience in the documentary In Our Ghetto, an inspiring story of resilience, triumph and success in the training of girls (to become models) from disadvantaged communities in the vibrant Niger Delta.

A photo exhibition by MASSIMO SCIACCA, a recognised Italian photojournalist, who described to the press world the Kinabuti experience in a series of artistic photographs relating to the documentary IN OUR GHETTO, the Silk Screening Workshop, and the Sanitation environmental project.

A fashion show by KINABUTI, featuring the newly trained models who showed off the new Kinabuti collection in a blend of colours, elegance and beauty, where African patterns, Italian design and Nigerian grace meet. 

ACCORDING TO THE ORGANISERS: 

“Kinabuti Fashion Initiative (KFI) is a non-profit Nigerian-Italian organization having the mission to give a positive contribution to society through fashion and art. KFI considers fashion and art as suitable platforms for empowerment projects aimed at creating sustainable development, with the objective to improve living conditions through vocational training, educational programs and employment opportunities. KFI seeks to combat poverty and inequality in the least favoured communities by inspiring and empowering young women to believe they can achieve their dreams. KFI works closely with the Niger Delta communities of Bundu Waterside, Eleme, Marine Base Waterside, Okrika Waterfront and Igbikisikalama. Over the last two years Kinabuti has 21 girlsl, with no previous modelling experience, and it has trained them as models. From the initial debut they have succeeded in participating in fashion photographic sessions and entertaining shows nationwide. Some of them are currently working as ambassadors for multinational companies. Three of the girls have been integrated within the Kinabuti label as assistants, learning technical and accountant skills that will be precious assets to their future. Four of the girls received scholarhips to study at Universities. So far, each of the 21 models has become a spokeperson for their communities. Furthermore,twelve single mothers have learnt the art of silk screening (a technique to paint fabric, ceramic and other materials) and have found jobs thanks to their newly acquired skills. Finally, in order to improve the livening conditions in the waterfronts, Kinabuti is oroganizing a series of monthly sanitation exercised in partnership with the River State Environmental Sanitation Authority. These community-based waste management exercises have place the communities on the map of weekly collection of garbage and sewage.”

The following photos were taken at the event:

Caterina Bortolussi with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Uhomoibhi (middle)
and Italian Ambassador H.E. Roberto Colaminé

A cross section of guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé, right, with Philippine Ambassador Alex Lamadrid (3rd from left)
and his colleague, left 

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

Caterina and Ambassador Colaminé with guests

The models

Ambassador Colaminé and Caterina thanking the guests

The guests watching the fashion show by the pool

Top photos: Ambassador Colamine and Amb. Uhomoibhi being interviewed; Caterina with guests.
Bottom: A cross-section of the guests; photos on exhibition. 

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PHOTOS: Flamenco show on the final night of the 7th Spanish Cultural Week

Final day of the 7th Spanish Cultural Week:
Flamenco Dance

The 7th Spanish Cultural Week, organised by the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, came to a close on the 12th of October 2012, with a live performance of the world famous Spanish dance called FLAMENCO, performed by the ANABEL VELSO DANCE GROUP, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. These photos were taken at the event.

FLASHBACK: Philippine Embassy Halloween 2011

Members of the  Filipino community in Abuja celebrated Halloween with a party in November 2012. These photos were taken at the event. View the gallery by clicking Read more below

THE SET UP

HALLOWEENERS

HALLOWEENERS.... THAT'S CLIFFORD OF THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY ON THE RIGHT

ELAND OIL AND GAS

MR AND MRS BLAIR OF ELAND OIL AND GAS

JOHNAH, DENNIS, AND KAMBAL

JULIUS BERGER PIPS

SHEEN AND RAMON OF JULIUS BERGER and JEREMY OF GEDE FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR PADALHIN, JABAR, SEAN AND ANDREA

HALLOWEENERS

MERCADOS ET AL

AMBASSADOR LAMADRID AND FACEBOOK GIRL FIONA

PATRICK OF BRITAMOLD

ANA, RAMON, MELANIE and FIONA

ZOMBIES KNOW HOW TO DANCE

HAPPY MOURNERS?

MRS BLAIR AND HER DASHING ASSISTANTS

WINNERS OF BEST COSTUME

AMBASSADOR PADALHIN WITH THE ORGANZERS

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

NADJ AND FAMILY

TIME TO EAT

WHO WORE IT BEST?

PHOTOS: Association of Spouses of Heads of Missions International Charity Bazaar 2012

Among the many bazaars and food fairs that take place in Abuja annually, the ASOHOM INTERNATIONAL CHARITY BAZAAR, now on its 9th year, is one of the most interesting and well-attended, with many missions (represented by High Commissions and Embassies) participating to sell food and other products from their respective diverse countries. ASOHOM, or Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission, is a non-political and non-profit organization in existence since 1993, and now has more than forty members from countries all around the world.

ASOHOM serves as a network for its members, giving them a chance to socialise while working together to support children and women in need in Nigeria. Over the years, the association has funded many projects in and around the FCT such as the construction of boreholes, donation of books to schools, donations to assist fistula surgery for women, purchase of Braille machines and other equipment to assist blind students, and renovation of an orphanage.

ASOHOM funds projects that focus on maternal and child health, and empowerment of women. Recipients of funding include Hope4GirlsAfrica, the Medical Missionaries of Mary, FCT School for the Blind, the Margaret Market Sanitation and Health Foundation and Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE).

The International Charity Bazaar serves as the major fundraising event for ASOHOM and is the means by which funds are raised for its charity projects. It is a fun day filled with great food, live music and other entertainment. This year the Bazaar took place on 13th October 2012 at the Sheraton Abuja Hotel, from 10am to 4pm. Many generous donors gave prizes for the raffle, including Ethiopian Airlines, AirFrance/KLM, British Airways, Egypt Air and Dana Airlines.

The Executive Committee of the ASOHOM is currently under the chairmanship of Ms Libby McCutchan (top photo), wife of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria.

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