Baskadia

It was glitz and glamour at the maiden Queen of Humanity Cross River Beauty Pageant, initiated by Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, wife of the Governor of Cross River State.

The Queen of Humanity Pageant showcased a pioneering commitment to grooming young Nigerian girls in the act of compassion, care, and a profound humanitarian service. According to the organers, the project's was focused on the inclusiveness which saw participation from various states of the federation.

Speaking at the event, the Cross River first lady, highlighted her desire to see that the world is a better place for all. She said the Queen of Humanity Cross River Pageant will be a panacea to all forms of ills facing the young, the old, the needy and the less privileged in "our immediate environment, "Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

Rev. Eyonanwan challenged the contestants to brace up for the task ahead, stating that her office remains committed to training and supporting them to become worthy humanitarian ambassadors.

Dr. Inyang Asibong, the Special Adviser, Events, Projects and Program in the Office of the first lady, reechoed the essence of the pageant, stating that having a sense of Humanity, has since eroded the minds of young girls, that the pageant was created to correct the abnormally.

The Special Adviser, Events; Governor’s Office, Mr. Effiong Asuquo Ekpenyong reiterated the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu led administration to use events of this nature to promote tourism in the state.

Victor Ekpo, the pageant consultant, stated, "Since we are preaching humanity, Her Excellency sponsored 20 forms for 20 lucky Nigerian girls. We went into camp with 29 contestants."

Sharing insights into the transformative camp experience, Ekpo explained that the pageant started with a call for sales of forms... After that, the camp opened in Calabar, with camp orientation, master classes, catwalk sessions, and a city tour to experience the sights and sound of Calabar."

"The contestants were groomed on humanitarian awareness and how to show love and care - knowing that the world will be a better place when we all live for each other.

Margaret Ekpo, won the coveted prize of Five Million Naira and an SUV, and was crowned as the Queen of Humanity 2023. The first runner-up, Vivian Edem-Anwan Effangha, received the title of Queen of Humanity Cross River Tourism and a consolation prize of two million naira, awarded her by the Wife of the Governor; Rev. Mrs. Bassey Otu".

The organisers explained why the girls were tagged virtues of humanity like gift, love, kindness, favor, hospitality, help, and we tagged them according to qualities of humanity, not by where they are from.

That's the new innovation brought up by the working team. The Queen of Humanity Cross River 2023 emerges not just as a beauty queen but as a symbol of compassion and humanitarian values, redefining the landscape of pageantry in Nigeria with credible and impactful initiatives.

The pageant project team underscored the pageant's commitment to inclusivity, reflecting the central theme of humanity that transcends regional boundaries.

The finale which was held on December 27, at the prestigious Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), had in attendance de creme de la creme in both public and private sectors, the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, the deputy governor of Cross River State, Rt. Peter Odey, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, members of the state Executive Council, members of the diplomatic corp amongst others.