27 countries storm Calabar for Miss Africa Beauty Pageant

Twenty seven out of the expected 36 countries have arrived Calabar, Cross River State for the second edition of the Cross River State Miss Africa Climate Change Beauty Pageant.

The beauty pageant which is the initiative of the Prof. Ben Ayade led administration is a platform aimed at creating awareness about the effects  and impact of climate change.

Speaking on the pageant at the TINAPA Lake Resort, Miss Fatima Ibrahim Murtar, a Moslem contestant from Somalia sounded optimistic of winning the crown .

“I want to do something different contrary to my belief,” she said.

“We are already experiencing the effect of climate change in Somalia with deadly drought all over and I want to use this platform if I eventually win to educate our people, especially those in the affected regions about the dangers and see how we could bring succour to them through empowerment with the support of international bodies.”

Miss Hellen Itivita from South Sudan, who was awed by Calabar’s beautiful scenery said: “It’s nice to be in Nigeria finally. I have been listening to their music, watched their movies but I have never been here but today, I thank God I made it here. It’s such a beautiful place to be.”

On her chances of winning the crown, Hellen said: “I will stay positive. We all know Sudan is a war torn country and if I win this pageant I will work with the International Organizations there to preach more on the effect of climate change and environment.”

Speaking in similar vein, representative of Botswana, Miss Gaseangwe Balopi, said: “It is an opportunity to visit Nigeria because I have always watched their movies right from when I was young and today I am physically here to see these beautiful people and its landscape.

“I am glad that Africa is gradually transiting to the green economy which is the future from the traditional monolithic economy and I want to be that change agent that will help propagate the message of climate change across Africa to make a difference.”

On her part, Nigerian representative, Miss Chikaodili Nna Udosen, said that if she wins the 2nd Miss Africa Climate Change, she will “woo all the stakeholders to join Cross River State in the campaign against climate change which is becoming a global challenge.

“And I want to make my country proud by striving to win the pageant because it’s an honour to be the ambassador of this great event and I believe with the support of my people I  stand a better chance to win the show.”

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Event Management, Mr. Tom Ikpeme who promised a memorable 2nd edition of the pageant hinted: “As part of innovations winner of this year’s event will emerge through vote.”

Ikpeme explained that the pageant has now received notable acceptability among African countries with increased number of participants and assured that the state will leverage on that and spice up the event with international entertainment fragrances. “