By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized that Anambra tourism is exceptional and stands out due to its beautiful and captivating tourist sites. He remarked that pageantry is an integral part of tourism, showcasing individual talents, culture, and values.
“Our sons and daughters have won numerous awards in various fields. Recently, one of our own, Miss Faith Ekwebenam, won Miss International Nigeria 2025 and will represent Nigeria at the 63rd Miss International competition, scheduled for November 27, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. This is a significant achievement for us. Congratulations, Miss Ekwebenam!” he said.
Commissioner Onyenji made these comments during a courtesy visit from the Association of Beauty Queens and Kings at his office in the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka. He praised their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the importance of skill acquisition for personal development, especially for graduates.
“While you are here, I encourage you to visit the Solution Fun City, which is one of the best attractions in Sub-Sahara Africa,” he added.
Mrs. Nneka Nwankwo, Director, Department of Diaspora Affairs and Entertainment, welcomed the association to Awka. She expressed her delight at the association’s existence, which aims to regulate the activities of other beauty pageants.
“It is impressive to see you here, and the establishment of an umbrella organization for beauty queens and kings is commendable. In the pageantry industry, many parents are hesitant to allow their children to participate due to the scandals associated with it. Thus, having this association will help maintain standards and serve as a model for the industry,” she remarked.
The National President of the Association of Beauty Queens and Kings, Mr. Ukeme Michael, thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception. He explained that their organization serves as a platform for all crowned queens and kings in Nigeria, with a clear vision to restore the lost image of beauty pageantry. They aim to collectively promote social growth and create a favorable environment for all beauty queens and kings in Nigeria.
Mr. Ukeme noted that the association is officially endorsed and registered by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, National Tourism Board, and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. It has been in existence for 14 years, with branches in 26 states, including Abuja and Lagos. They also organize an annual skill acquisition program.
“We intend to establish a branch here in Anambra State so that local beauty queens and kings can benefit from our initiatives. We will be celebrating our 14th anniversary during our national conference on the 26th of this month in Akwa Ibom State, which will feature award presentations to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and others,” he explained.
Mr. Ukeme also informed the commissioner about their planned charity tour across several local government areas to commemorate their anniversary. “We would also like to document some of the Anambra State’s tourism potentials because they are exceptional,” he added.
Earlier, Queen Precious Bassey, highlighted that their visit aimed to inform the commissioner about their ongoing rural palliative empowerment project and to request that he serves as a patron and mentor for the Association of Beauty Queens and Kings in Nigeria.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
