By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The maiden edition of Miss Africa pageantry has been billed to hold in the beautiful City of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria’s premier tourist destination at the prestigious Calabar International Convention Center CICC on the 26th of November,2016.
30 ladies between the ages of 18-25 years, representing 40 African countries across 5 regions, will be contesting for laurels.
The 2016 edition is blowing full steam as its creators (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.
The Miss Africa 2016 Calabar Nigeria beauty pageant is one of the many dynamic inclusion by Senator Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State to the Christmas festival and Carnival Calabar, a 32 day festival that holds every year from 1st to 31st December with daily events that climax on the 28th of December with the Carnival Calabar as he grows the brand which has blossomed consistently for 14 years from strength to strength.
After a successful casting that held across the various regions of the African continent, the 30 finalists will combine brains and beauty for one to become the true African Queen on climate change.
The winner will promote green economy and initiatives as a veritable tool for sustainable development whilst merging beauty with nature and a tenacious cause centered around creating the much needed awareness on humans direct and indirect impact on the environment.
According to organizers, “climate change is reshaping human civilization as we know it. The response from global communities will determine the future of the human race. Our food system, our economies, our cities and communities are now adapting to climate change globally. The fate of our planet we call home is uncertain and it is in our best interest to come together and address the challenges we face.
“Climate change affects everyone. Our actions and support can make a difference in how the world responds and adapts to its changing climate. It is with this resolve and conviction that gave birth to the Miss Africa 2016 pageant with the theme, “Green Economy, a tool for Sustainable Development.
“The eventual Queen will be the African Ambassador on climate change and the African face and voice in creating awareness in the global fight against climate change sponsored and supported by the Cross River State Government.”
Speaking at a world press conference held at Capital Hill, Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa which was attended by the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Mrs. Uche Ajulu Okeke, Ndaba Mandela and popular South African radio host, Tbo Touch, the Special Adviser, Governor’s Office/Events Management, Hon, ken Aklah, Informed the media houses present that Miss Africa 2016 world press conference was held in South Africa to strengthen ties and promote cultural exchange between both countries and also promote the Calabar festival and Carnival Calabar to the world.
The Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Mrs. Uche Ajulu Okeke who was clearly excited said there was no better time for the collaboration between both countries as it is very necessary for Africans to unite and promote their cultures.
After receiving the Miss Africa 2016 team and some of the contestants in the Nigerian Embassy a day earlier, she has rallied her support by ensuring and declaring that any traveller from South Africa that wants to attend the Miss Africa 2016 and the Calabar festival and Carnival Calabar after applying will get their visas in 24 hours.
She is also attending the Calabar festival this year and has already booked her tickets and encouraged all South Africans to visit Cross River.
Also speaking on the activities and concept behind Miss Africa 2016 the Senior Special Assistant Governor’s office on Events and Tourism, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme who doubles as the head of production, Miss Africa said that the contestants and production crew working with CREC will be arriving Calabar Nigeria on the 16th of November and camp for 12 days of preparation before the main event on the 26th of November.
The activities lined up will also see the entire crew experience some of the tourism sites in Cross River State.
As Miss Africa 2016 sets the stage 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 the food festival, the sports fiesta and the Nickelodeon kiddie’s fest for children.
As a show of goodwill, Mr Gabe Onah presented a plaque of honor to T-Bo Touch making him Ambassador to the carnival Calabar which he received with a shower of pleasantries on Cross River state and promised to be in Calabar in December to report live for South Africa.
Ndaba Mandela said he was elated with the collaboration as Africa needs to share their stories and use them to inspire young people.
He also added that young people have been given a voice through the internet and social media and that that power can be harnessed to create positive impact in our society.
The Miss Africa 2016 event will be graced by top government functionaries, captains of industry, and celebrities across Africa.
The lineup of performing artists are Teckno, Kiss Daniel, Victoria Kimani, DIJA, Yemi Sax, Big Daddy, Real P.
Celebrity fashion designers such as award winning global brand, Deola Sageo , king of the Southern Africa fashion world David Twale, Afifimma Couture and Tiva Bespoke and super talk show hosts, Ik-Osakioduwa and the talented and beautiful award winning actress Juliet Ibrahim are also expected at the event.
The Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Mrs Uche Ajulu Okeke, later hosted the entire Miss Africa 2016 team to a lunch meeting at the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa while, Ndaba Mandela also hosted the team for tea and a tour of Nelson Mandela’s residence.
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