By Rita Chioma
Twenty two year old Michy Okafor, is the CEO of Michy Conglomerate International, organizers of a show called, Mr and Miss Fashion Nigeria. In this interview with Allure Vanguard, Michy spoke spoke about the forth coming event and also on the challenges of hosting such a glamorous show in the present economic situation in Nigeria.

Not many have heard of Mr. And Miss Fashion Nigeria, how long have you been doing this?
This is actually our 4th edition and we have tagged it “La Boss”. It means the boss, but we just had to tweak it a little to make it sound more fashionable. It would be held on December 18, 2016 at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

How has it been putting up such a show every year?
It hasn’t been easy at all. We run two major events every year; Mr. Teen Nigeria and Most Beautiful Teen in Nigeria, then Mr and Miss Fashion Nigeria. The major challenges we are facing now is funds; considering how tough Nigeria is at the moment.

How then do you get sponsors?
We send them mails and hope for positive responses. We are still eagerly looking out for sponsors. Most people that we have now are just partners, we don’t have a standard sponsor yet. The partners support us to get something in return.

What are some of the objectives of Miss And Mr. Fashion?
It is a pageant set up with high class  fashion, to educate people more on the risks of abortion and HIV/AIDS because that’s what our winners do as their pet projects.

The ladies do focus on the risks of abortions, while the guys do more of the HIV/AIDS awareness and risks.

There are so many beauty pageants and fashion shows that hold in Nigeria. What makes yours different and outstanding?

Our winners have never had any bad experience since we started and we always fulfil our promises.

What should the winners of this year’s edition expect?
An official car, one year apartment fully paid for. A million Naira worth of modeling contract, and an international trip for an international pageant or vacation. Then during their reign, they get more endorsements.

You also have in the pipeline, Fashion Icon awards. What is that all about?
The Nigeria’s Fashion Icon awards is set up to recognize fashion icons in Nigeria and Diaspora. Nigerians doing well in fashion all over the world.

We are bringing personalities from different fields, entertainment, fashion, etc. as long as they are fashionable and doing well. Like Fashion Actress and Actor of the year, etc.

What are the criteria for picking a fashion icon for an award?
The person has to be outstanding in his or her field. The person needs to be loud in fashion.

Apart from promoting fashion and beauty show, what else do you do?
I’m an event planner; I do a lot of weddings etc. I have a company called Aminlove weddings. Then I have an underwear line and perfume line. We are into a lot of things.