By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Convener of 042 Cultural and Tourism Pageant, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, says that the essence of the pageant is to promote Igbo’s rich culture and heritage among female youths within Enugu State.

Okenwa told newsmen in Enugu on Thursday that over 50 daughters (Ada-Igbo) of Enugu State had picked free nomination forms for the pageant.

He said that the pageant would promote Igbo cuisines, fluency in Igbo language speaking and understanding as well as Igbo dance steps among others.

According to him, the pageant will also promote Igbo attire and traditional make-up.

“042 Cultural and Tourism Pageant is meant to promote Igbo culture and heritage among female youths, our Ada-Igbo, between the ages of 20 and above.

“The pageant will rejuvenate Igbo's rich culture and heritage among our young daughters as well as showcase to the world that Igbo language and culture will never die as was erroneously predicted.

“We intend to ensure that our youths are true ambassadors of our culture and heritage in every aspect of their life-styles and all they represent,” he said.

The convener said that the winner of the pageant would go home with N200,000 and first runners-up would get N100,000.

He said that there would be some other consolidation gifts and recognition plaque for all the contestants in the pageant.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the pageant, Mr Ozioma Ani, said that the first audition for the pageant was held on Nov. 30 and after that the contestants were given some Igbo traditional task to perform.

Ani explained that 17 contestants would be selected after the first audition to represent each of the 17 council areas of the state as the pageant last.

He noted that the pageant would have a serious multiplier effect on the economy of the state; even as it would provide lasting Igbo cultural and tourism up-lift.

“The pageant will empower a lot of make-up artists that will come continually to decorate the beautiful daughters (Ada-Igbo).

“Lots of service providers such as photographers and traditional attire sellers and hirers will also make economic gains from the pageant,” he said.

The chairman said that the grand finale of the pageant, which would be held on Dec. 19, would attract government functionaries, Nollywood actors and actresses, celebrities, scholars etc.

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