On Saturday, 61 delegates from various African countries arrived in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to compete in the Miss Africa Pageant.
Mrs Hadiza Kabir, Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, welcomed the delegates at the airport and explained that the purpose of the pageant is to bring the youth of Africa together with the entire youth of the FCT.
Mrs Kabir, who was represented by the secretariat’s Director, Administration and Finance, Dr Ike Kevin, stated that the event is a social integration program that will take place in Abuja.
She also stated that the event’s goal is to bring the youth of Africa together with the youths of the FCT and Nigeria as a whole in order to champion youth empowerment, job creation, wealth creation, and value reorientation.
The pageant, according to her, is in its ninth year.
“We have arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to receive approximately 61 contestants in the African Personalities Forum.”
“The delegates will be in Abuja for the next 14 days.” And the essence of the matter is black integration. Dr Ramatu Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, is a social engineer.
“The minister made the decision to bring Africans together, particularly youths, in order to make Abuja the true melting pot of social integration in Africa.”
“You know, we’re just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most people in Africa are afraid to talk to and relate to themselves, especially young people.”
Ajoke Ajoke, Miss University, African Nigeria, said the program aims to prevent rape and violence against women while also promoting women’s empowerment.
“We’re all here because of Miss University Africa, a pageant that raises awareness about rape and violence against women while also promoting women’s empowerment.”
“So, welcome to all the African countries that are visiting Nigeria for the first time for the pageant.”
Miss Uwimana Dative, a delegate from Burundi, also stated that the event would provide her with the opportunity to learn more about African cultures from other delegates from across the continent.
“I’m here for the pageant, Miss Africa; they treated us very well, and I can’t wait to learn more and serve others.”
“We arrived in Lagos and are now in Abuja; it is truly amazing how well they welcomed us.”
“We’re learning, we’re dancing, and I can’t wait to learn more about their culture from other delegates from across Africa because they’re brilliant,” she said.