Yemi Fawaz
Nigerian fashion model (died 2019)
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Florence Ibiyemi 'Yemi' Fawaz (January 8, 1955 - February 20, 2019) was a Nigerian fashion model,[1] best known as the first Nigerian international supermodel with a career spanning over a decade. One of the pioneers of professional modelling in Nigeria, Fawaz was also a fashion designer, beauty promoter/consultant, actress, trade show organiser, chef, restaurateur, and deacon.[2]
Early life and education
Fawaz was born to a Nigerian father of Lebanese descent and a Yoruba Nigerian mother, and raised by her grandmother.[3] In 1983, she competed in Miss Universe Nigeria 1984 and placed third.[4] She left Nigeria for US in 1997.[3][5] She came back to Nigeria in 2016 at 61[6] to continue modelling and to coordinate fashion shows.[2][7]
Career
Fawaz is considered the first Nigerian supermodel.[8][7] At a point in her life, she became an ardent Christian and was ordained a Deaconess in her church.[9] She then was addressed as Deaconess Yemi Fawaz.
Achievements
Fawaz opened the first modeling school and professional modeling agency in Nigeria and in West Africa.[2] She initiated and established a non-governmental organization (NGO) with the name Banner of Love which has the goals of providing medicare as well as eradicate poverty among the underprivileged.[citation needed]
Death
Fawaz died at the New York Lenox Hill Hospital in United States of America after battling for colon cancer for years. She was 64 years old.[8]