Oluwatoyin Obafemi Wins 9mobile Photography Competition

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A female contestant in the 2018 edition of the 9mobile Photography Competition themed 9ja: My Grind, My Hustle has emerged winner of the contest.

The winner, Oluwatoyin Christiana Obafemi, was adjudged the best by a panel of judges for her image titled My Passion, My Strength. The judges included creative photographer, Kola Oshalusi; documentary photographer, Bernard Kalu; and award-winning photo-journalist, Aisha Augie-Kuta.

She beat Bambi Daniel and Ayodeji Ogunro, who were announced as runners-up for the Photography Competition with their images, Female Barber and The Wind respectively.

During a prize presentation ceremony held on Thursday, December 6 at 9mobile’s office in Banana Island, Lagos, Obafemi received a brand-new Canon camera for emerging the most outstanding shutterbug in the talent development initiative aimed to engage and empower budding photographers using the power of digital media.

Congratulating the winner and the runners-up, the Director of Brands and Experience at 9mobile, Mr Elvis Ogiemwanye, said their images were amazing interpretations of the theme 9ja: My Grind, My Hustle, which was chosen to celebrate individuals who appreciate the importance of hard work and have a drive for success and fulfilment.

“We at 9mobiIe congratulate Christiana Obafemi on coming tops in this competition; it is certainly a huge accomplishment amongst hundreds of other contestants.

“I also commend the runners-up for putting up a good showing. The three-shortlisted works are good interpretations of the effort to celebrate hardworking Nigerians who aim for success,” he said.

Mr Ogiemwanye added that as a telecoms operator dedicated to the unique Nigerian spirit, 9mobile will not relent in assisting talented photographers to reach their maximum potential.

Acting Managing Director of the firm, Stephane Beuvelet, stated that, “We are a proudly youth-focused brand, and we will not rest on our oars in ensuring that this important segment of our population get a lift through initiatives like 9mobile Photography Competition. It’s the digital age, and we are giving them a platform to leverage the power of digital media.”

Beuvelet also appreciated the judges and thanked Nigerians for participating in the contest, assuring that it will get bigger and better. David Gideon had earlier emerged winner of the ‘Voters’ Choice’ category of the competition, with his work titled A Woman. He was selected through a two-week online public vote and his image received the most votes.