by Wilfred Okiche

The nominees for this year’s annual Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards, organized by Exquisite, a women’s fashion and lifestyle magazine, have been announced.

According to organizers, this year’s festivities kick off with a pre-ELOY dinner on Saturday 22, October. The awards proper will be preceded by a business seminar themed ‘Tools for Business Survival in Nigeria” on Sunday 23 October at the Incubator, after which guests will head for the after party at the Chrome.

The aim of ELOY awards is to recognize and reward outstanding women in the country. From their humble beginnings, all the women have blossomed to become role models for others, says Tewa Onasanya, publisher Exquisite magazine. The ELOY awards focuses on the “character of the individual, her ability and achievements and how her work impacts the society.”

Thirteen categories ranging from style to entrepreneurship are being rewarded this year.

You can vote by texting “ELOY” followed by nominee to 35070. There will be a raffle draw where voters can win fabulous prizes including a return trip to any destination in Europe.

See complete list of nominees

Female TV Personality of the year

Helen Paul (Jara)

Dolapo Oni (Studio 53 Extra)

Patience Okafor (Cruise)

Yvonne Vixen Ekwere (Entertainment Weekly)

Female Radio Presenter

Toolz (Beat FM)

Titi (Inspiration)

Joyce (Cool FM)

Omotunde Lolo (Wazobia FM)

Matse (Wazobia FM)

Tosyn Bucknor (Top Radio)

Oreka (Beat FM)

Moyo (Star FM)

Female Photographer

Toni Tones

Yetunde Babaeko

Ty Bello

Aisha Augie-Kuta

Female Fashion Designer

Ugonna Omeruo (House of Nwocha)

Bridget Awosika (Bridget Awosika)

Funke Ogunde (Phunke Afrique)

Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku (Toju Foyeh)

Kenny Solomon (Kemkem Studios)

Orire Omatsola (Re Bahia)

Yvonne Nwosu (Vonne)

Mo Alatise (Viv La Resistance)

Ronke Ladipo (Rouch)

Female Accessory Designer

Kiki Kamanu (Kiki Kamanu)

Tayo Shonekan (Aimas)

Lisa Folawiyo (Jewel by Lisa)

Eme Akenzua (John 3v3)

Ituen Basi (Ituen Basi)

Bola Obileye (Tote by Bola Obileye)

Sportswoman

Esther Obiekwe (Marathoner)

Ajoke Odumosu (Athlete)

Perpetua Nkwocha (Footballer)

Desire Oparanozie (Footballer)

Actress

Omoni Oboli (Anchor Baby)

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (A Private Storm)

Genevieve Nnaji (Tango With Me)

Uche Jombo (Damage)

Ini Edo Ehiagwina (Inale)

Stella Damascus (Bent Arrow)

Monalisa Chinda (Kiss & Tell)

Female Rap Artiste

Muna

Eva

Sasha

Bouqui

Kel

Female R&B Artiste

Goldie

Omawumi

Tiwa Savage

Mo’Cheddah

Waje

Nneka

Beauty Brand

House of Tara

Sleek

Lise

Recare

MUD

Body Shop

Black Up

Revlon

Female Entrepreneur of the Year : Winner to be chosen by Exquisite magazine and ELOY judges

Female Role Model of the Year : Winner to be chosen by Exquisite magazine and ELOY judges