Former Miss Northern Cross River Wins 7th Obudu International Face Of Culture Pageant

By Ikwen Atuaka/Oto-Obong Clement

Perpetua Adie, one time Miss Northern Cross River has emerged as the new Obudu international Face of Culture Queen 2016.

Adie pipped five others to clinch the crown for the seventh edition of the pageant held at the Senator Liyel Imoke Civic Centre follwoing a week of camping where the contestants were trained on several skills.

In a brief chat with CrossRiverWatch, Perpetua who could not hold back her joy, pointed out that her hard work paid off and lauded the organizers of the pageant. She promised to get back to this reporter on her pet project.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Cinemas, organizers of the event, Frank Akpeke who disclosed that this years edition of the pageant had no support from neither the government nor the public, said that; “This event was the best after all” even as he hoped that; “With this evidence, the 2017 edition will come out bigger.”

Also, Queen Sarah emerged as first runner up with the title: “Obudu Tourism Ambassador” while Queen Afebanye Igen emerged second runner up with the crown; “Unity Ambassador Queen” at the pageant whose audience were thrilled by pulsating musical performances from local acts Ocean Dry and S Two Bendi as well as roared with laughter to the comic gestures and orals of Mr. Bowlegs and many more.

Eminent among personalities at the event include the Community Relations Officer to Governor Ben Ayade in Obudu, Hon. Emmanuel Akwagiobe, Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Administration, Noel Ugbong, Leader of the Obudu legislature, Honorable Sylvester Agabi and other Councillors, past Queens and current Beauty queens of Obanliku and Yala local government areas.

The pageant  which aims at promoting the Bette cultural heritage and preserve traditions is held annually at the eve of the Obudu New Yam festival locally known as “Bipam Bifefe” which literally means “New Yam”, a modern adaptation to the old “Bam Bewhutang” which depending on the pronunciation could mean; “A meeting of the people of the land” or “A meeting of ghosts”.