By Ehichioya Steve Odion
It was a beautiful and memorable outing for 15 Nigerian Beauty queens across the states in Nigeria who garthered in Elora Royal Hall and Suites, Sapele Road in Benin City to participate in the Grand Finale of Miss ITV Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2023 during the weekend.
The colourful event was graced by eminent personalities in the country, including the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu.
In his remarks, Shaibu said he liked the confidence and boldness exhibited by the girls who participated in the Contest, adding that it takes courage to do this kind of thing.
He encouraged the girls to learn how to believe in themselves rather than try to be someone else. He further told them that there is hope and many opportunities in Nigeria, but that they would need to identify themselves and be strong in doing whatever that will make them to excel in life.
"My life has been the one of giving and encouraging young ones. There is hope in Nigeria, but there is need for the government to provide the enabling environment for you to succeed. Discover your talent and be passionate about it and you will go far".
The Deputy Governor later rewarded all the contestants with financial support.
On her part, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Jane Mulikat also said it takes courage and confidence for young girl to participate in this kind of event, adding that the state government has interest in this kind activities being organized by ITV and Radio.
"There is so much we can do together. Many tourists attraction are in Edo State. We are ready to partner with ITV and support Edo women because they are great. On behalf of the government we celebrate you all".
One of the sponsors of the event, Amb. Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie said she has explicit confidence in the girls who contested.
The Labour Party Governorship aspirant said she has been on a rescue mission in Mali for girls who are being trafficked every now and then. She added that although things are difficult in Nigeria, the wellbeing of girls mean alot to her as a mother.
She advised them to be wary of fake promises from those traffickers who are bent on using the trade to enrich themselves.
On her part, the outgoing Miss ITV, Adigbo Chrsitabel Gold said it was a huge honour, huge responsibility and a dream come through for the success she achieved in the contest last year.
She thanked her mother and ITV and Radio for their support during her reign as Queen ITV, adding that she was able to reach out to young girls through seminars not to engage in women trafficking.
"I believe the winner today will not disappoint me during her time".
In an earlier interview with the chairman organizing committee of the event and Manager Programme ITV and Radio division, Sunny Duke Okosun said this year's event was the 24th edition of Miss ITV Nigeria Beauty Pageant.
Okosun said it is primarily designed to give young girls the platform and the opportunity to use their beauty, potential and their skills to contribute to the Society.
"There are lots of social vices the youths get involved in the society such as drug Abuse, human trafficking and sex abuse. The core values is to re-orientate their minds into positive things. Over the years we have Queens who used the platform to carry out Pet projects, Environmental project on go back to school by giving free books to students, just to ensure they are useful to the society".
He thanked the sponsors of the event, especially Amb. Asha Okojie-Odigie whom he said her contribution and the interest she showed on the event was encouraging.
In her speech, the winner of this year's event, Miss Stephanie Okwunze thanked ITV and Radio for giving her the platform to excel in the beauty contest and promised to deliver as Miss ITV during her tenure.
Other personalities present at the event were, Lady Celerina Ojomo, Executive Director, ITV and Radio and Senior Elder Ogbeide Uwumwonse, Director ITV and Radio
Miss Stephanie Okwunze the present Miss Enugu emerged as winner with a cash price of N400,000, first runners up, Miss Anthonia Odunayo went home with a cash price of N250,000 while the second runners up, Miss Adesuwa Adekunle got a cash price of N150,000
Highlight of the event was the crowning of the overall winner, Miss Stephanie Okwunze as Miss ITV 2023 and the presentation of certificates of participation to the contestants.
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