Written By Izunna Okafor


Going by the age-long dictum that new bottle is naturally suit for new wine; the people of Akwaihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State have unveiled, crowned and presented her three beautiful queens for the 2020 beautiful year.

The damsels who emerged from the highly competitive Miss Akwaihedi Beauty Pageantry (which is one of the most prestigious Beauty Contests in the South Eastern Nigeria) were crowned Miss Akwaihedi, Face of Culture Akwaihedi, and Face of Tourism Akwaihedi respectively —the diadems they would hold till the 2021 edition of the annual contest.

Speaking on the purpose of the event, the Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Elochukwu Paul Mbagwu explained that the contest aims at bringing the people of Akwaihedi together, especially the youths, for the primary purpose of spreading awareness about the recent happenings, equipping the youths with good leadership skills, enhancing all-round development of the community, promoting the Igbo cultural values and heritage, as well as grooming social networking and interaction among the people.

On her own part, the overall winner of the contest and Miss Akwaihedi 2020, Queen Angela Chinwendu Udunwa who attributed her victory to hardwork and God's grace, pledged to use the position to carry out charity-oriented programs, provide selfless service to the humanity, as well as initiate a campaign against poor menstrual hygiene, through which she will educate the girlchild against the dangers and risk of poor menstrual hygiene and management.

In their separate reactions, the first runner up in the contest, Miss Peace Uche Orizu who emerged as the Face of Culture Akwaihedi promised to champion a plethora of projects and programs that will enhance societal norms and cultural promotion, especially among the youths; while the second runner up, Miss Veronica Chichi Okoli, who was crowned Face of Tourism Akwaihedi said she would foster and promote the community's tourist sites as well as transform the mindset of the youths, by engaging them in the development of the community through collaborative efforts, Akụ Ruo Ụlọ clarion call, and shared citizenship.

While reminding those who did not win in the contest that they are all queens; the party appreciated the organizers of the event for giving them the platform, while also avowing to remain integrity worthy, patriotic and positively impactful in the society, both during and after their tenure.

Acknowledging that there are future plans to expand the project, some of the facilitators of the event, including Mr. Thankgod Udogu and Mr. Christian Egwuiyi said the event which had been taking place in the community from time immemorial, was recently modified and modernized in 2017, and aims to appreciate beauty and honour womanhood, while
also motivating young ladies to aspire higher and contribute positively to the society.