Caterina Bortolussi uses the stories of successful Port Harcourt Models to empower Nigerian youths to exploit their creativity

 

Kinabuti led by Italian-born Nigeria-based fashion celebrity designer, Caterina Bortolussi, in conjunction with the Nehemiah Project, has taken the initiative to empower Nigerian youths by showing them avenues to exploit their creativity and make real their full capabilities.

At a motivational event held recently at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Caterina Bortolussi showcased her models, Kinabuti girls (as they like to be called), a group of 21 young ladies who were discovered in 2010 by the Kinabuti's 'In Our Ghetto Project' from various communities in Port Harcourt.

While commenting on the theme of the event 'Rebuilding lives.., this is my story,' Bortolussi said was an idea borne out of the need to encourage and promote the youths to develop and explore their God-given talent through showcasing life's stories of some celebrated Nigerians who have successfully pursued their dreams by utilising their innate talents.

Bortolussi emphasised that:"Empower the youths and you have empowered the nation.The strength of a nation lies in the youth as they are the future leaders of the country" According to her, the Kinabuti girls drawn from communities like Bundu Waterside, Eleme, Marine Base Waterside communities of Port Harcourt, hitherto had no skills at all in modelling, but had now become stars in the making, having been trained in modelling, make-up skills, and hairstyling, and now had all that was needed for professional modelling career through the Kinabuti's social enterprise arm.

The Kinabuti girls were given the humbling opportunity to strut the catwalk to showcase the amazing designs of accomplished designers such as Odion Mimonet, IAMISIGO and also Kinabuit Label and also were accorded the full accolades of professional models.

The event which played host to numerous celebrities such as TY Bello, D Banji, Lanre Da Silyva, All Baba, Fela Durotoye, Tara Durotoye, Funke Akindele had the duo of Kate Henshaw Nuttall and Tee-A as compeers for the exquisite night outing.