Cross River Unveils Beauty Pageant to Tackle Climate Change

Mary Ekah

As a response to the intimidating effects of climate change on the environment, the Cross River Sate Government has opted to tackle the global menace in a unique way. To this end, the state has berthed first of its kind pageant, tagged, ‘Miss Africa’, which will search for a true queen on climate change.

Coming with the theme, ‘Green Economy, a Tool for Sustainable Development’, the eventual queen will be the Africa Ambassador on climate change and African face and voice in creating awareness in the global fight against climate change.

Sponsored by the Cross River State government, the 2016 edition of the pageant is blowing full steam as the government of Cross River state is focused on fulfilling its promise of promoting, showcasing and developing Cross River State as well as Nigeria’s environmental and eco-friendly lifestyle with the amalgamation of beauty, fashion, nature and charity.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently which had stakeholders from the Cross River State’s government house, the Senior Special Assistant Governor’s Office on Events and Tourism and also the Head of Production, Miss Africa 2016, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme said Miss Africa 2016 pageant is one of the many dynamic inclusions by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State to the Christmas festival and Carnival Calabar, a 32-day festival that holds every year from December 1-31 with daily events that climax on December 28 with the Carnival Calabar, as he grows the brand which has held consistently for 14 years.

He revealed further that the First Miss African pageant will be held at the prestigious Calabar International Convention Centre, Cross River State on November 26. 30 finalists between the ages of 18-25 representing 40 African countries across five regions, after a successful casting held across various regions of the African continent, will be combining brains and beauty for one to become the true African Queen on climate change who will promote green economy and initiatives as a veritable tool for sustainable development whilst merging beauty with nature and a tenacious cause centered around the much needed awareness on human direct and indirect impact on our environment.

The Miss Africa 2016 promises to be a night of glamour and style showcasing the true sense of African culture and heritage with the climate change theme perspective. Lined up artistes for the event, which would be hosted by Ik Osakioduwa and Juliet Ibrahim, include Teckno, Kiss Daniel, Victoria Kimani, DIJA, Yemi Sax, Big Daddy, Real P amongst others.

As the Miss Africa 2016 sets the state for the Calabar Festival and Carnival Calabar, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah said that this year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder and better with new events such as food festival, sport fiesta and Nickelodeon kiddies fest for children.