By Yemisi Suleiman

Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, Mr. Gabe Onah, Mr Kenn Aklah and Mr. Charles Ndudim

In line with its objective of creating awareness in the global fight against climate change, the Cross River State Government is set to host the Miss Africa  2016 pageant, a search for the true African Queen on Climate Change. With theme: “Green Economy, a Tool for Sustainable Development” the eventual queen will be the African Ambassador on Climate Change and the African face and voice in creating awareness in the global fight against climate change; she will be sponsored and supported by the Cross River State Government as part of fulfilling its promise of promoting, showcasing and developing Cross River State as well as Nigeria’s environmental and eco-friendly lifestyle, with the amalgamation of beauty, fashion, nature and charity to the world.

Speaking on the activities and concept behind Miss Africa 2016, the Senior Special Assistant in the Governor’s Office on Events and Tourism, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, who is also the Head of Production, Miss Africa, said the contestants and production crew working with CREC will be arriving Calabar on 16lh November and will be camped for 12 days before the main event on 26Ih November.  According to Ikpeme, the activities lined up will also see the entire crew experiencing some of the tourist sites in Cross River State.
The Miss Africa 2016 Calabar Nigeria beauty pageant is one of the many dynamic inclusions by His Excellency, Prof. Sen. Ben Ayade, Executive Governor of Cross River State to the Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar, (a 31-day festival that holds every year from 1st to 31st December with daily events that climax on the 28th of December with the Carnival Calabar). The inclusions are part of his efforts to grow the festival and carnival which has held consistently for 14 years.

As Miss Africa 2016 sets the stage for the Calabar Festival and Carnival Calabar, the Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, said that this year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder and better with new events such as the Food Festival, the Sports Fiesta and the Nickelodeon Kiddie’s Fest for Children.
Billed to hold November 26 at the Calabar International Convention Centre, (CICC) Calabar, Cross River State, the Miss Africa 2016 maiden edition will see 30 ladies between the ages of 18-25 years, representing 30 African countries across 5 regions, slugging it out at the grand finale for the coveted crown of Miss African Queen on Climate Change who will promote green economy initiatives as a veritable tool for sustainable development whilst, merging beauty with nature and tenacious cause.

The Miss Africa 2016 event will be a night of glamour and style, showcasing the true sense of African culture and heritage with the climate theme in perspective. The event will be attended by top government functionaries, captains of industry and celebrities across Africa. It will also feature a celebrity fashion show from award-winning global brands, Deola Sageo, South Africa’s David Twale, Afifimma Couture and Tiva Bespoke.

Hosts for the show are super talk show hosts, Ik Osakioduwo and actress Juliet Ibrahim with musical performances by Teckno, Kiss Daniel, Victoria Kimani, DIJA and Ycmi Sax, amongst others.