La Naija President Goodluck Jonathan la features in May - june issue of Vogue italia, la Italian edition of Vogue magazine , and also published on Vogue's website.
La Presido La look vewy pwety in la photo wella. So, La me la jealous la presido. :)
Dont mind me jare. The article was published in Italian language but translated with google tranlate capability. So, at some point you'll get it twisted just read on and you'll understand.
Enjoy!!!
Enjoy!!!
The feature below:
It's Thursday, January 5 when we land in Abuja, Nigeria's capital . The ultimatum expires today of Muslims to Christians. We have police and army escort us to have total security. We are going to the Palace of the President and does not have much time. At 6 pm, at best, we should take off. No real danger, reassure us, but better to avoid risks. The streets everything is calm and there is no confusion, and Abuja is beautiful with lots of greenery and imposing houses hidden behind high walls......continue reading.
It is a city rich-looking and with a totally clean everywhere. We're
late for our appointment because of the flight before ours, we must
also pass an endless series of checks: first stop for cars, second for
us to photograph and inspect the documents, then searched us and
deposit all cameras and mobile phones. The situation is not simple at this time in Nigeria and all do their work carefully .
The real disappointment is not being able to get the camera equipment. They understand that it is a problem for us and offer us a book with many photos of the president. We can choose the ones you want, tell us. "No", explain politely, "the pictures we do, we have a style of Vogue and we want to keep." I stay with the book in hand and with all eyes on me, yet I could almost ask themselves what to say or do. "Calm down, let me speak with the president and then we'll see."Among
the disappointment of a photographer and cameraman, and the
uncertainty about the arrival of the president I feel bad for everyone .
A guard and the chief of protocol we are going to welcome in the Oval Office where he should be held soon after our meeting. I turn and look at all my group a bit 'down. "Smile please, and not a request" .Welcomed,
therefore, our smiles and himself with a good-natured expression under
a wide-brimmed hat, elegant in a blue tunic and trousers, and a gold
chain that slips into the pocket, enters Goodluck Jonathan, President
of Nigeria, elected April 16, 2011.
It
is followed by the vice president, Mohammed Namadi Sambo (with him in
the photo on this page) - who is a Muslim while he was an evangelist. Enter
also the oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, a beautiful and elegant
woman in traditional dress, princess, with a master's degree at
Cambridge, who now commands - first time for a woman - the most
important Ministry of Nigeria, the eighth exporter of crude oil per
world.
Impressive
in its size and authoritarian with a broad-brimmed hat like the
President, also comes Edem Duke, the Minister of Culture and Tourism. We sit. I am close to calling Goodluck Alison-Madueke to take the parol a. The
Minister explains in detail our design firm and Fashion 4 Development
and our intention to dedicate a whole number to Africa "photographing"
from a positive point of view, just to give the idea of a country that
is not only death and hunger, but it has great potential for growth and
job openings towards new initiatives and development.
Advocates both projects and looks at me with kind eyes that do not allow replies. "Stories and convincing", seems to say. And so I begin. "President, thank you for accepting our request to interview her. It is true that we are a newspaper image, but I think there is much to do in this regard in your country , which currently does not appear as rich and secure while having oil and great prospects. " I stop, interrupted by his gaze and his voice informs me that the motto of the country right now is "Rebranding Nigeria". "Really
I could not agree more. But I want to revive your textile industries
that were once strong and that since there is oil have been neglected,
if not forget it. And why sell the patent for the tie dye-Chinese who
move so the production in their country? In this way, within a few
generations, there will be your knowledge of this tradition. If only we
would produce in Nigeria would work for your local and not disappear
culture. You have a potential crazy, just look what happened in Brazil
and many European and American companies produce in China. Why this is
not possible to do it again in Nigeria? ".
She smiles and missing his head. I
continue: "All Nigerians rich spend their money abroad because here
there are no shops, no hotels from African flavor and chic restaurants,
meeting. Why not build a Rodeo Drive" Africa "in Lagos or Abuja with
stores and shops with both foreign and Nigerian products? ". I stop, maybe I'm exaggerating. He looks at me and says: "You know our designers: they are good and have great creativity." "Sure", I continue. "Have you for example Duro Olowu who is famous as Louboutin America and Europe, as well as many other designers. Mercedes
sponsor many fashion weeks and he could talk to do something here too.
In short, ideas are not lacking, need do, and quickly. Nigeria is, in
north-central Africa, the country with more opportunity. Why not use
them? ".
Now I am silent. The President looks at the ministers, he looks happy and seems to share what I said. Speaks up and agrees to help us to ensure that this does not remain just a good speech. "I agree, I agree and this will be for us the basis on which to start thinking.We have a variety of problems and some very serious, but this will not prevent this country to progress and change its image
. And also because he spoken out in no uncertain terms. Is there
anything I can do while you're here though for a few hours? ".
I
laugh and raised directly, without wasting a second, I reply: "Yes, a
photo taken by us in Vogue style. Just a nod and they'll get all the
equipment." He looks around with his gentle smile and shy. "How to say no?" She says. While I go out, the Minister of Tourism says: "It's always true That dynamite comes in a small package"
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