In an unprecedented union of beauty and humanitarianism, the inaugural Queen of Humanity Cross River Beauty Pageant, initiated by Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, wife of the Governor of Cross River State, showcased a pioneering commitment to grooming young Nigerian girls in the act of compassion, care, and a profound humanitarian perspective. The organisers revealed the project’s vision during an interview on December 29, 2023, emphasizing the inclusive nature that saw contestants from diverse states of the federation.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the governor extolled her desire to see that the world is a better place for all, hence the creation of the Queen of Humanity Cross River Pageant. In her words, “this 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, being Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.”
She challenged the contestants to brace up for the task ahead, as her office remains committed to training and supporting them to become worthy humanitarian ambassadors.
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Dr. Inyang Asibong, the Special Adviser, Events, Projects and Program Office of the Wife of Governor, re-echoed 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.
In an interview with the press, the Special Adviser, Events; Governor’s Office, Mr. Effiong Asuquo Ekpenyong reiterated the Sen. Otu’s led administration willingness to use events of this nature to promote event 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.”
The pageant project team underscored the pageant’s commitment to inclusivity, reflecting the central theme of humanity that transcends regional boundaries.
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.
“After the show of glitz and glam, the event saw Margaret Ekpo, with opportunity, as a virtue name win the coveted prize of Five Million Naira and an SUV Car, she 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 finale was held on December 27 at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC).
The event gathered the who is who 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, Rgt. Peter Odey, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, members of the state Executive Council, and members of the diplomatic Corp graced the occasion, with a tantalizing performance by one of Nigeria’s finest musician, Mr. Suny Neji.
