By Ikwen Atuaka
Retina Ashibekong, a 400 level student of the Department of Mass Communication in Cross River University of Technology risked missing out on examinations for a beauty pageant and emerged winner at the end.
Speaking to CrossRiverWatch after the event, Retina who came tops of 10 other contestants for the crown in the event held on Saturday, September 4, 2015 as part of the Obudu new yam festivities, thanked the organizers of the event for giving her the opportunity, the entire community and those who gave her their support promising to make them proud before leaving in a haste to find her way back to Calabar.
The first runner up representing Obudu Tourism Ambassador International is Queen Josephine Agba, a native of Obudu, and a student of the University of Calabar while the Second Runner up representing Obudu Unity Ambassador International is a native of Yache in Yala local government area and a student of Federal College Of Education, Obudu.
Outgoing Queen Evelyn Ugbaka in her speech thanked the entire State and the people of Obudu for their support and appealed that same support be extended to the new Queen.
She charged the new Queen not to relent and never let herself loose lest she will be taken advantaged of and appealed to Governor Benedict Ayade who hails from Obudu and other “big men” from the local government to look into the plight of the Queen as it is only Queens from Obudu that trek while others drive in vehicles.
The pageant, Obudu Face of Culture (FOC) is an annual event organized my Mountain Cinema to uphold and promote Obudu cultural values.
The event also saw the presentation of awards to citizens and organizations including the Paramount Ruler of Obudu LGA, Uti J.D Agba, Legendary Award; Hon. Paul Adah – Youth Icon of the year, Comrade Adamade Odey – Ambassador of Youth Progress, Comrade Nchor Julius – Most Outstanding Youth of the Year, Ipong Daughters Association, Calabar branch – Best Performing Association of the year, CrossRiverWatch.com – Best Online Media of the Year, Agba Jalingo – Media Icon of the Year for the second consecutive year, Joseph Aniah – Culture Ambassador and Dorathy Aniah – Amazon of Culture.
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