Jane Watson, Omotomilola Makanjuola and Princess Okaine
By Felix Khanoba
It was a cheerful moment in the wee hours of Monday as Jane Watson emerged winner of the maiden edition of 40&Fabulous reality television show.
Watson, who clinched the top spot in the contest that attracted talented women from age 40, went home with N10 million and a brand new car.
She was closely followed by Omotomilola Makanjuola and Princess Okaine who emerged as the second runner-up in the exciting competition.
Speaking at the grand finale of the show in Abuja, Nnenna Abani, Founder, Mother of Models, organizers of 40&Fabulous, said that the show emphasised that women who were advancing in age could still learn a trade, go back to school or start a business.
According to her, outside Nigeria, women who are over 70 years are still doing business or starting new trade but here it is as if once a woman is over 40 years, her life is over.
“We are here to say that age is not a barrier for new beginnings,’’ Abani said.
She said that the desire to lift women out of poverty inspired her to organise the programme.
“It is a family friendly programme designed to take women out of the streets, those women backing their babies and carrying firewood on their heads.
“When I see that, it breaks my heart and whatever I have to make them better and pick up their pieces I always do that.
“Some of them are used, dumped and rejected by men and some by society, marriage, nature and so on but they have got that talent that is there,’’ Abani said.
The Nigerian veteran actress and musician reiterated that the programme targeted to promote dignity and respect among Nigerian women.
“The unique thing is that it will not promote nudity and promiscuity, but poised to promote cultural decency, dignity and respect as well as empower the Nigerian woman in or above 40 years of age.”
According to her, the reality show is aimed at helping the multi-tasking women chose their right career among all her crafts and to create a platform to help depressed women who are 40 years or above.
Abani said that the 10 contestants received training in the areas of photography, tips in managing money and entrepreneurship during the 60 days the programme streamed on GOTV, Startimes, Channels, Wazobia TV, Wap TV amongst other stations.
“When they are up, they will have something to contribute to the society,’’ she said.
On his part, Mr Kennedy Ajah, the Executive Producer of 40&Fabulous, described it as a tough journey organising the event and for some of the women who shared difficult experiences.
“However, as long as one is alive, there is a lot that one can do.
” We were almost giving up at some point but support from our partners and many Nigerians kept us moving.
“Also, some of the women were almost giving up on life but this programme has given them hope and a new life via empowerment through entrepreneurship,’’ Ajah said.
He said that the organisers intend to expand the show to some other African countries.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Coumcil for Arts and Culture (NCAC) commended the organisers and participants of the reality TV show.
Represented by Mr Sam Agbe, Director of Performing Arts, NCNC, Runsewe said one of his cardinal working principles was to empower women and youths to become self-reliant.
“This is critical in helping them engage in meaningful ventures, contribute their quota to the socioeconomic development of the country and stay away from social vices,’’ he said.
The winner, Watson commended the organisers of the programme for their relentless efforts in upholding and projecting the dignity of womanhood.
She described it as more interesting despite the overbearing western influence that pervaded Nigerian cultural values.
Watson also urged other women to see the need to participate in such programmes that promote entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and decency.
The AUTHORITY reports that 40&Faboulous is a reality TV show aimed at training and economically empowering women over 40 years.
