By Nkechi Ojukwu
The Imo Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Jerry Egemba, alongside the Director and other Heads of the Ministry, has officially received the Cultural Queen Africa Pageant in Owerri, Capital of Imo State.
The warm reception took place at the Arts and Culture secretariat at Mbari, on November 6. Addressing the audience, the Commissioner pointed out that cultural hub is an avenue for people to showcase their talent, promote cultural heritage as well as create amusement moment for people to forget their problems and stressful working day.
Hon. Egemba, maintained that Omenimo remains the most adorable cultural music in Africa, saying that is an amazing opportunity to revive and grab our cultural values , ” in years back during our ground parents young women used to present themselves through cultural dance where men choose their wives, young men also engaged in cultural wrestling where old and young people would watch and be happy, one of things that makes me happy is to watch people showcasing their talent “.
He was optimistic that every Africa lady is beautiful and should be proud of their culture and who they are as they have contested for beauty pageant and came top as sanctified Queens and most beautiful in their respective Countries on the ground that they exhibit arts, skills and understood what to contest for beauty pageant, added that, the execise has monetary value and to promote Africa Culture,peaceful coexist and unity among Africa ladies, especially Nigeria to aspect their Culture to using beauty pageantry as a climax and center of attraction.
Hon Jerry Egemba, mentioned the fact that beauty pageantry assess to promote our rich Cultural heritage globally, ” Africa ladies are valuable beauty and could make positive impacts if they have value for themselves and that is the reason for encouraging you, hence to believe in yourselves, because you are unique with what God has deposited in you which for your own benefits and always present yourself in a manner to attract commendation and recommendation”
He further, advised the Cultural Queen Africa Pageant to create awareness against female molestation, reap, girl child mutilation,child trafficking and domestic violence and promote maneria free treatment for African, considering the importance of the group, the Ministry for Tourism Culture and Hospitality would give them every necessary support and encouragement and support of Imo State government, also described Imo as hospitality state and would not forget in a hurry the hospitalized accorded to them.
Commissioner, expressed his gratitude and excitement for receiving and honoring the most beauty ladies from seven Africa Continents and their delegates, including; Nigeria, Ghana, Gambian, Guinea, Liberia, Zambia and Uganda, and for Omenimo Cultural music for their performance and for always portraying Imo cultural heritage.
The spokes person for Cultural Queen Africa Pageant, Ogbu Uchenna Sophia, disclosed that the body is for the young women to promote Africa Culture and to trace their roots and Nigeria generally, most importantly to change the narrative other Countries have concern Nigeria. And also engage in other programs such as, padding girls child empowerment, promoting culture, vising schools and impacting lives.
