21 Yr-Old Emerges Winner At Pulse/Kinabuti Model Search

21 year old Tolulope Balogun has emerged winner at the grand finale of the Pulse/KinabutiDare2Dream model search went down on November 19, 2014 at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

The anticipated event was the build up to the month old search that took the train across major universities in the country to select a face who will eventually represent the brand and serve as an FCMB ambassador  for a year apart from a cash prize of N500,000.

Tolulope Balogun, a student of the University of Lagos emerged winner after rigorous tests and elimination rounds. The girls who were taken into boot camp at Federal Place hotel  were coached on different topics from presentation skills, social media strategies and different inspirations from various celebrities who have made a mark in their different fields/career.

With the delectable Kaylah Oniwo of Cool FM clad in a Kinabuti piece as host, the night was laced with beautiful scenery that welcomed guests who arrived to a warm reception and catered to all round with the finest cocktails and finger foods that was served throughout the night.

The runway was revved with Kinabuti's Vlisco Khan Collection presented in both menswear and womenswear with spectacular pieces while there was also a second showcase by Kinabuti where a beautiful bridal wear stood out.

The Pulse/Kinabuti team who had earlier scouted for talented designers from UNILAG presented the opportunity for the new designers to showcase their womenwear at the event. Two upcoming artistes scouted in the course of the audition were also invited to perform with regular intervals of the teasers and the moments from the audition played back for people to see.

The 4 finalists; Eno Josephine, Ekah Idongesit, Chiamaka Chinedu and Tolupe Balogun who were also part of the runway models presented the various collections, a winner was finally selected after the 'FCMB Challenge' the girls were asked what they would do if they became an FCMB ambassador- having being taken through how to achieve their dreams by the team of Ayodeji from Jobberman, Eku Edewor, Lola Omotayo, Toke Makinwa with social media training, presentation skills and more- and how and why FCMB should/would support their dream, Tope Balogun who eventually won gave a smart answer making sure to note the role of youth in any upcoming enterprise.

The 4 girls; Eno Josephine, Ekah Idongesit, Chiamaka Chinedu and Tolupe Balogun presented before the judges, Lola, Mr Daniel and Dolapo Oni and winner was decided based on presentation skills and her project. GMD, FCMB, Ladi Balogun addressed the girls and the reasons FCMB sponsored the event to give youths continuous chance to achieve their dreams which Vlisco head of marketing also buttressed.

Tolulope Balogun finally emerged winner taking home half a million in cash and a year ambassadorial role for FCMB amongst other prizes.

Guests at the event included Gordon Dharneh MD of Nestle, Maje Ayida and Toke Makinwa, Frieda Francis and Eku Edewo, Ladi Balogun FCMB GMMD, Remi Sanusi Head of youth segement FCMB, Baba Epega from Richard Coker foundation and Venus Bushfires, Dolapo Oni, Sayyu Dantata Chairman of MRS, Toke Ibru publisher of guradian, Engineer Moussalli GMD Cool fm./wazobia, Tatyana Moussalli Nouri DGMD cool fm Shahin Nouri, Gautham Hathirami DG MD of Loro Piana, Lola Omotayo Okoye, Anita Okoye, Malcolm Obinna, Dr Grazia Dellanova acting Italian consulate, Idowu Sobanjo representing Lagos State Governor amongst others.