‘Miss Anambra Is Part Of Our Commitment To The Development of Anambra Women’

Anambra State has been hosting entertainment and social events in recent times, what would you say is responsible for the new development?

Anambra State under the watch of Governor Willie Obiano has continued to record progress across all the sectors. Having provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through robust and sustainable policies especially in the area of security and protection of lives and property, nightlife has returned in the state. Ndi Anambra living outside the state, who usually come back home for family events during weekends and those living in Anambra State are once again savouring the social scene in the state. Before now, you hardly hear of social events in the state due to security challenges. But with what the current administration has done to secure the state, it is now possible for people to come out and attend social events without fear.

What’s the idea behind Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant?
This is part of our commitment to the development of Anambra women; Miss Anambra in a beauty pageant aimed at showcasing beauty and brains. The pageant would usher in a new experience in the world of pageantry in Anambra, as well as honour outstanding women. Organising this event and other similar events is in line with the mandate of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and its objectives of informing, educating and entertaining our audience. It is also a manifestation of our repositioning from being a broadcast organisation to a media and entertainment brand. Every year when we host the pageant, we generate lots of content for our two television stations. We also use the pageant to sell Anambra State to the outside world through the media interest the pageant generates.

You recently screened all the applicants for this year, how was it like selecting the final 21 contestants?
We are quite happy with the response this year considering that this is the Season 2 of the pageant being organised by the ABS. We had so many applications and I must commend the selection team at the audition for doing a wonderful job. We have set rules and criteria and these helped in the process, though it was quite tough and challenging.

Who are the people involved in the screening process?
Nwando Okwuosa (Miss Nigeria 2003), Mr Patrick Nwokike and veteran actor Pete Edochie supported us during the selection process. Maintaining the integrity of the process was crucial and this was why we went out and invited people with strong social standing to help us. In the end, I must say that we are quite happy with the choice of the final 21 contestants, and I’m sure Ndi Anambra are happy with the selection process. 

What are the characteristics you will be looking out for in the 21 contestants?
Our Ideal Miss Anambra is a beautiful young woman that will be able to carry brand Anambra State for a year and even after her reign. She must be free from scandal, passionate and articulate. We are looking for an intelligent person that will represent the state at every event; she must be knowledgeable about Anambra, the people, values and culture. 

What areas are they going to be judged?
The top 21 finalists will move into camp six days to the pageant night; judging begins right there in camp. They will be engaging in a host of activities and mini projects that will lead into the pageant night, where the traditional pageant Q & A will take place. They will also be judged for their poise, special talent presentation and of course the evening gown and native wear dresses. There is already a contest on amongst the contestants to determine the most liked and popular contestant; we do this online every year. So, friends and well-wishers can vote their favourite contestant via our Miss Anambra Facebook page www.facebook.com/missanambra.

What’s the level of involvement of Anambra State government in this project?
Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The ministry officially granted ABS the rights to organise Miss Anambra pageant; the pageant is therefore the official state pageant. Considering the tourism and brand building potentials, the State Government usually throws its weight behind the project. We get lots of logistics support from all the MDAs and even directly from the office of the Governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano. The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Barrister (Mrs) Uju Nwogu has been very supportive and we are grateful for the motherly role she has been playing to ensure that all goes well. 

What are the prizes for the winners?
This is the biggest pageant in Anambra State and also ranks among the top state pageants in Nigeria. The winner receives a cash prize of One Million Naira, wardrobe allowance and other gifts provided by our sponsors and partners including a chauffeur driven Kia Rio as official car, which has been kindly provided by Dana Motors. The runners-up also receive exciting cash and other prizes. The prizes will get bigger and better in the future as we sign up more sponsors. The potentials are immense and we hope that this will ultimately become a huge empowerment platform for Anambra women. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners, who have been supporting us and hope to be able to sign on new ones.

Who are the judges for this year?
We cannot reveal the judges for this year’s event yet, but trust that it will be made up of trusted and credible individuals. Recall that last year, we had the likes of media personality Olisa Adibua, former beauty queens Ene Lawani, Chinenye Ochuba and Nwando Okwuosa, alongside fashion and style consultant Ifeanyi Okonkwo in the judging team. They did a good job with their final choice in Miss Chizoba Ejike as the winner. This year, we are building on that credibility as well. 

When is the event taking place and venue?
Miss Anambra pageant 2015 will hold on Friday, October 30, 2015, at Marble Arch Hotel, Awka, with a special red carpet reception, which starts at 7pm.