Modeling is one of the best carriers any Nigerian young youth can venture into in Nigeria because it has the ability to gain your attention, make you famous, and make you rich. It does not require you to be rich neither does it require you to come from a wealthy family before you can be a professional model in Nigeria especially a teenage model.
I know this for sure after reading the biographies of models like Derenle Edun, Kenneth Okolie, Joseph Benjamin. Most of these guys did not come from a rich background before becoming a model in Nigeria rather they came from a humble background.
They all started with the passion asides from them knowing they have what it takes. They joined the industry when it basically had nothing to offer them. Some of them even had to do some job offers for free just to showcase the talents and looks they have got.
And today it is a different story. They now drive luxury cars, leave in executive apartments, and finally are been able to travel to any part of the world, and guess what? All these can happen to you especially if you start early.
How much do Models Earn in Nigeria?
Depending on the modeling agency in Nigeria and the fashion designer whose runway you are going to be walking on models in Nigerian models are paid N20,000 – N150,000 per show. However, there are popular models that get paid much more.
It is just like acting in Nigeria. The evergreen actors or the already famous actors get paid more than the upcoming and not yet famous actors. 20,000 to N70,000 is not small if you consider that you’re just starting your modeling carrier in Nigeria and you know how to control your expenses. You can also make more money per week by walking on more runways.
This will double or triple your income because you’ll be paid by 2 or 3 different fashion designers. Modeling is a good carrier in Nigeria because it is not restricted to you making money from one source. You can also make money by doing adverts (video or photography) for production companies, organizations, and brands.
Top Richest Models in Nigeria
Here are some richest professional models in Nigeria. They are:
1. Bryan Okwara
2. Gbenro Ajibade
3. Ik Ogbonna
4. Alex Ekubo
5. Olumide Owuru
6. Samuel Ajibola
7. Mozez Priaz
8. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
9. Ngo Okafor
10. OC Ukeje
You can read some of these models biographies to know more about how most of them started their modeling career. Let’s move on to how you can actually become a teen model in Nigeria.
How to Become a Teenage Model in Nigeria
Here are steps to become a successful model in Nigeria.
1. Believe in Yourself
A modeling carrier in Nigeria is impossible if you don’t first believe in yourself as a teen that you have the looks and grits because many people and agencies are likely going to turn you down for one thing or the other.
Some might say your height is not enough and when you have the height they have something else to say about your hair, nose, or height or even your body shape. So you have to believe in yourself that no one in Nigeria is as beautiful or handsome as you.
You are unique in your own way. Put on your confidence anywhere you go because it is the most expensive cloth you can put on. It draws people close to you even despite them not knowing where you are from.
Deal with your in insecurities. No one is born perfect. Even those you consider perfect or look perfect still have some imperfect things about them whether in their looks or in their character. Take this from a man that attracts women with his looks and has also dated many beautiful women. We don’t have it all.
Instead of looking at your shortcomings what you don’t have physically look at what God has blessed you with and use that as your selling point. To some, it’s their height, while to some it is their complexion, while some it’s their body parts like the eyes, hair, face, arms, breast, legs.
Find out what sells you out more and use it and as time goes by you can see how you can work on other parts naturally to upgrade your beauty or handsomeness. This is important because your teenage years are the most years of your life you will feel the most insecure about your looks.
2. Start your Modeling Carrier Early
It does not matter what age you are. Immediately you discover you have the looks and you want to become a teenage model in Nigeria start working towards it. Start doing all the needful and start gathering everything you need to know about modeling in Nigeria like you are reading this article now.
Don’t say you say you will start next year or the next two years or when you finish school. Start now! Age is one of the factors considered as far as modeling is concerned in Nigeria so while not just start now that you have it is on your side and grab all the opportunities surrounding you.
As for making money from being a teenage model in Nigeria do not be bothered about that for now. What you should be bothered about is you building a good profile first. Once you are able to build a good profile, modeling agencies will start to chase you and by then you can be able to raise your price. Also, do not let how much big models in Nigeria earn get into your brain. As time goes by you will be paid more.
3. Work on Yourself
Because you have the looks does not mean it is enough for you. There is always something you have to works on to make it better. If it is that you are overweight and you don’t like the way you carry yourself, register and start visiting a gym close to you.
If it is that your skin is not glowing enough start eating healthy and drink lots of water. Please do not join the bleaching or toning gang no matter what that is going extreme. The cost of your body cream does not matter. What matters is what you put inside your body – the food you eat and what you drink.
This is one thing I have learned when it comes to having radiant skin for the past 15 years and keeping it that way. The 2 major things any Nigerian model will tell you when you seek for advice on how to look better are to exercise eat well and drink lots of water. There’s no other secret to looking fit for modeling in Nigeria. Also asides from your looks you’ll need to work on your character – the ill ones.
Trust me, it might sound off track but it is not. There are some characters that not even your beauty or handsomeness will not be able to save you from especially when you exhibit these characters to people directly or indirectly in the modeling business in Nigeria. I am not trying to mock you with this as we all are not perfect. Just work on the ones you feel will be endangering your modeling carrier.
4. Seek Modeling Professional Advice
At this stage, you need to start meeting people not necessarily models but people that have an idea of how the modeling industry in Nigeria is been run but before this, you need to have a sit with your parents to let them know you want to go into modeling.
Your parents need to know this even though you are 18 or 21 years old. That is how our Nigerian parents are and asides this, when anything comes up about you they can defend you and also protect you. They can also get a lawyer and manager to guide you in the modeling journey.
Your mentors should not be left out of this as well even though they do not know about modeling. You still need their advice so meet them and tell them this is what you want to do. Many of the models in Nigeria do this just in case you don’t know.
They have mentors that guide them and counsel them even after many have them have gotten to adulthood. Seek advice and continue to seek it. You can never grow out of advice.
5. Start Connecting with Other Models
The best way to connect with other Nigerian models whether the popular ones or the not so popular ones are to through social media and the best place for this is Instagram. Depending on how good you are with relating with people you should be able to form a relationship with these models within the space of 1 – 3 months.
All you have to do is to open an Instagram account and start following these Nigerian models and as well as some foreign ones. Begin to like their pics and drop good comments on their posts. Start gradually and pressure yourself.
Those that want to be your friends will certainly be your friend despite the fact that they know you are just starting your modeling carrier in Nigeria. Asides from following them on Instagram, always monitor them to see what they are up to and to know the beauty tips they do to look beautiful or handsome.
I’m not saying you should start checking for their creams and hair products because these products might be too expensive for you and asides these the products might not work on your body. All I am saying here is that you just check out the things they do in general.
You will be amazed at what they might teach you that you do not know. Also, upload your pics on Instagram and tag them. Do this and never get tired of doing it until you are able to attract their attention. Considering the fact that you do not just have an Instagram account just for the sake of having an Instagram account.
You should consider posting your pics at least 3 different times every day. To make things easier for you all you have to do is to snap all the pictures you will be uploading in a week in one day and then start uploading them anytime you feel like every day.
6. Apply to Modeling Agencies
To be able to apply to model agencies in Nigeria you will need cash and support from your parents and your mentors except if you already have made enough money to do this. You will need this money to buy registration forms from these modeling agencies and to also do some running.
7. Becoming Successful as a Teenage Model
1. Never ignore the counsel of your lawyers before signing any contract with any modeling agency or fashion outlet. All terms stated in the contract might look simple in the text but it is not always the way they look.
2. Build a career first in modeling before you start charging high fees for runways and adverts for products in Nigeria.
3. Invest the money you make from modeling into other sources that can make more money for you. This could be starting a business or real estate. You will thank God you did when your investment starts to yield profits in triple.
4. Look beyond Nigeria and start working towards outside Nigeria don’t limit your modeling carrier to the boundaries of Nigeria alone.
5. Venture into other passions or talents you have as time goes by. Let’s face the facts one day you will get tired of the runways and the cameras and will wish you had something else you do so before all that comes into manifest start investing in other passion you like. With all these, you are good to go.
Benefits of Becoming a Teenage Model
The benefits of becoming a teenage model are:
1. You gain fame even before you become an adult.
2. You build a carrier on time. Unlike every other youth in Nigeria that will just be starting out their lives after university, you will already something to work with after school.
3. You become rich way ahead of your fellow mates and this will make you financially free before age 30 (if you’re wise with your money). You can also use the money made from your modeling to help your parents.
4. You get favors. You get favors at banks, parties, churches, and so on because people know you.
5. You get people to always want to hang around you.
And many more. These benefits are enormous. But I am guessing you already know them if not all the benefits, after all, that is why you clicked this article.
Conclusion
Don’t let anybody tell you can do and what you cannot do. Believe in yourself that you can and as time goes by people will join you. Also, continue to look for ways to strive and God almighty will support you. I wish you the best in your modeling carrier.
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Nice modeling! I love to be a model since my childhood. I am 11 years old.
Wow! Remi, This is good. I like the passion in you. Don’t worry your dreams will come true soon just keep working on it.
I really love modelling but I am not sure how to start.
Follow the steps Chidera.
Me too! I’m just starting after JSS3. I know a typical Nigerian parent will not agree but I’ll say you should still be practicing and be pushing it towards them and ask on everything also most importantly wait for the right age. This is my advance.
My dream is to become a model. I feel it’s hard because I am just 13 years old.
I am F.J I’m 15 and I would like to be a model but my family thinks its lame ‘cos they say models earn little, and I have applied to many modeling organizations but no response so…..am just…
It is well Felix. Don’t give up! Keep trying!
I have always wish to be a model. I am just 15 years old. I have sent many messages to modeling agencies and still no reply?? I wish I can just get connected with real models and modeling agencies
I really love modelling and I want to be a model but I have no mentor……
Hello Lydia! Like I said in the post. You can stylishly be mentored by following the popular models you like on Instagram. You don’t necessarily need one on one mentorship to be a model. Try this for now.
Hey! I’m 16 yrs old and I really want to be a model. I have inboxed a whole lot of agencies yet no replies. The one I got recently said I have to pay money for 3 weeks of online classes. After the classes, my certificate is going to be delivered to me so I am confused if it is required for me to pay the money. I really don’t want to let go of this opportunity. Please I need advice.
Hi Chioma! I really do not know about paying any kind of money to become a model in Nigeria. As far as I am they are to pay you not the other way round. Maybe they are doing the training to teach you guys how to become a model or what it entails to be a model in Nigeria which I feel is not necessary by the way.
Anyways, make sure you find out more about what you stand to benefit registering for the online classes if you can afford it. If you can not; just ignore and look for other ways to penetrate the modeling industry. I admire your effort but you cannot afford to give up. Keep pushing!
I think if you want something cheaper since you’re a beginner you can take some cheap classes and do your findings on how to look to be a model. My advice since you’re 16 years old.
Hi, I will be 16 years old this month and I want to be a model too.
Hi! I’m 15years old and I want to go into modelling but I’ve got no mentor and no one around me has any idea about modelling. Modelling has always been my dream. Please I need advice.
Welcome, Janet! You have done the first step which is to search “how you can become a teenage model in Nigeria” on google”. The next step now is to go ahead and create an Instagram account to follow some of the models I mentioned in the article. By following them you will be able to connect and learn from them. You will also be able to know when auditions dates for modeling agencies are near. Please make sure you inform your parent if there is any need to pay any money for auditions or you need to go for auditions. Make sure you still involve them in any vital step you want to take. Remember you are still a minor you do not want anyone to take advantage of you.
Me too… I am 14 years and I would also love to be a model. How can I be a model?
Reading this was actually encouraging. Thanks for giving the little push. I needed to chase this dream. Thanks once again.
You are welcome Victor.
I’m 14 years old and modeling has always been my passion.
I am just 17 years old. I have a passion for modeling and am going for it.
I am 14yrs old. I want to be a model. My name is Naty Thomas. I’m a female teen upcoming rapper also. I pray to God help me because I want to be a Nigerian female model, rapper, and songwriter.
Hi! I’m 16 years old and I really have a passion for modelling but I’m kinda short.
Hi, Great! This does not mean you cannot be successful as a model in Nigeria. You may not be able to do runways base on your height but you can be a face or commercial model – where you are paid to be the face of a brands i.e products. Don’t let your height discourage you.
Hello! I really want to become a model….I’ve got great passion for it but I have low parental support on this decision and I’m not really tall. I’m about 5’2. I really hope I become one soon (a model). Thank You!
My name is Shedy. I’m 20 years old and aspiring to be a model. Thank you for the info. I’ll work on it!
Hi, I am Saviour also known as Empire am 18 year’s old. I really want to become a model since I was little but all to no avail. Please I need help.
My name is Divine. I’m 16 years old, and this article really helped me. Thank you! But I wanted to know, is it the same as being a face model in Nigeria?
Hi Divine! It is similar but it is not the same. As a face model, you focus more on your face. Maybe if there is the demand for ‘How to be a face model in Nigeria’ I will write on that too.
Hi, I am Zafirah Salawu Ahmed. I am 16 years old. I want to be a model but my dad won’t let me. Please advise me.
Hi, Zafirah! I think your dad not wanting you to become a model is coming from these angles. Number 1: He might be scared that the industry will expose you to the wrong things and number 2: He is scared that the industry might make independent too fast. I think you just need to speak to him more and make more promises that you will keep being the good girl you are even after joining the modeling industry.
Hi! I’m Monday Hannah. I’m 14 years. I would love to become a fashion model… This article really helped me. Thanks a lot…… I don’t have a mentor or anybody around me that has any knowledge about modeling. And please, how can I make my modeling portfolio?
It is well Hannah! Just don’t give up! As for the modeling portfolio, I talked about it in the new article How to become a commercial model in Nigeria Please read and share.
Thanks for these tips, Sir. They really have done a lot of good to me. I am 17 years of age and I just sat for WASSCE. I have always wanted to be a model and watching fashion shows also ignited that passion but there’s no means of renewing this. With these tips and advice, you have re-kindled that fire and I’ll pursue my modeling dreams after I graduate from secondary school. Once more Thanks and God bless you, Sir.
Hi, I am Revelation and I would love to bê a model. I am 15 years old. I don’t have a mentor and I came from a Humble background.
Don’t worry Revelation! Things will work out. At least, you have made the first step which is to read an article like this. The next step for you now is to connect with other teenage models on Instagram and other social media platforms. Chao! See you later on the blog.
Please I am 14 years old and I want to be a teen model. My parent has agreed.
I will love to be a teenage model in Nigeria. I’m 16 years old but I don’t really have a mentor. I will do whatever it takes. Thank you!
I am Abisoye Susan Ojerinde. I am 19 years old and I have passion for modelling but I got no idea on how to proceed on it. This is really killing me.
Hi, My name is Ifeoma. I had dreams of becoming a model since the age of 13 and now am 17. I have always believed in myself since then and now but I’m a shy person even to show my talents is very difficult.
I absolutely understand where you’re coming from Goodness but you cannot allow this to stop you. The best way you can conquer that shyness is to go out there and achieve your dreams.
I have a friend who is an aspiring model. He is self-mentored and has taken lot of nice pictures. He have the perfect height for a male model and he is 18 years old but he needs to sign into a model agency. How can he do that?
Hi, Agu! Now that he has done all that, the next step should be he registering with some of the modeling agencies in Nigeria I listed in the article and he takes it up from there.
Hi, my name is Kelvin. I am 18 years old. I want to be a model. The only problem is the distance from where I live to the modeling agencies. What do I do?
Use the internet. Communicate with all the modeling agencies through telephone and social media and only visit them when you have appointments.
I will like to become a model but nobody is there to help me.
My name is Kamsi Zenith. I’m 13yrs old. I really want to be a model but I am having low self-esteem because I had bowed legs before.
I want to be a model. I love it with all my heart. Please, I seriously need it.
I have wanted to be a model since childhood. I am just 12 now.
Hi, I have always wanted to become a model. I’ve got the looks, hair, skin, size but I have a very low self esteem due to my thin legs and the bad comments I have received for my smallish size.
You just have to believe in yourself Gloria.