By Joshua Williams
The Face of Gbaramatu International Pageant is an auspicious move by its organisers, GbaramatuVoice, which finds its root in the “Promotion of the girl child education”.
The maiden edition of the pageant held last year and has quickly become a solid platform through which the girl child is projected as it aims to disabuse the long held idea of girls not needing education but just being housewives.
The FOGI Coronation/Grand Finale took place on Sunday, the 20th of September at Mom Civic center in warri, Delta State, as supporters and wellwishers came out en mass to support the contestants. After rigorous and thorough scrutiny and selections, only 8 contestants made it to the finals.
The event kicked off at about 4pm as the MC, Debekeme Emmaralo welcomed everyone present and then introduced the contestants who delivered an energetic performance in their first outfit.
The Chairman of the occasion was Mr Michael Tonlagha while the chairlady of the occasion was Mrs Preye Keniye. Other highly distinguished guests who graced the event were Ibakurowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Daniel Ekpebide; the CEO of Pinaza records, Chief Piniki Azaiye, among others.
The CEO of GbaramatuVoice media, Mr Jacob Abai while giving his speech, welcomed all the guests present and again reiterated the major aim of the FOGI platform which is the promotion of the girl child education.
He also used the opportunity to talk about the GbaramatuVoice 5th anniversary coming up on the 30th of this month as he promised that the event would be spectacular in all ramifications.
In the same vein, the General manager, Mr Enaibo Asiayei while giving his welcome adress also described the FOGI event as a path to the girl-child education in the Niger Delta creeks.
He admitted that the road of the dream was a rough one but however, we have the power to make it smooth.
There were captivating musical performances from some of the finest Niger Delta artistes such as Jumbo Fizzy, Vhino Kama, Lizberg, Keltopsign to mention a few while there was comic relief from a comedian, Mr Right.
The whole process was thorough and fun to watch as the contestants came out in four outfits to display their abilities and psyche prowess while the judges judged them according to their performance.
After the much scrutiny and careful selection, the three top finalists were announced and then Mr Ernest Bebenimibo was called on to present certificates of participation to all the contestants.
After a performance from Topsign, the 2nd runner up and new Face of Gbaramatu International Culture and Tourism was announced as Miss Marvelous Johnny who hails from Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State and who is 18 years old.
The moment everyone was waiting for then came as the judges announced the new Face of Gbaramatu International 2020 and it was Miss Alice Emmanuel.
24-year-old Miss Emmanuel hails from Ekeni in Southern Ijaw local Government. This invariably meant that the 1st runner up and new Face of Gbaramatu International Peace Ambassador was Miss Erica Atigbi who is 19 years old and comes from Ofunama community in Egbema kingdom of Edo state.
The new FOGI Queen was then crowned by the chairlady of the occasion and the cash prize was presented to her by the CEO and other distinguished dignitaries.
The programme came to an end as the Queens were congratulated by the dignitaries and other supporters.
The after party for the event held at BK lounge, KFT place in warri as the merriment continued.
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
