As the date for the 2016/2017 “Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant” draws nearer, the organisers of the event have called on the public to enter for the competition before it would be too late.

The august event is slated for December, 2016 at Orchids Hotels in Asaba, Delta State with the Grand Finale as part of the events of the 2016 Umu- Anioma World Convention, Asaba 2016. These contestants will be drilled in four major areas in order to be selected as the beauty pageant winner, including: traditional outfit, platform competition (catwalk), photogenic, evening gown and interview session.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of “Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant”, Emmanuel Ohai, the competitive and interactive exercise is to bring out the best in the participants, emphasizing that the competition is not just another jamboree but a combination of brains and beauty exercise.

Speaking further, Mr. Ohai said that the application forms are now out and advised intending participants to apply by visiting Umu Anioma website menu then selecting 2017 Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant after the application fee may have been paid.

On the basic requirements, Ohai said that “contestants must be at least 18 years on or before Grand Finale date. Three full size photographs of the contestants must be taken during the contest photo shoot after submitting their application. Contestants must never have been married or given birth to a child and they must be naturally born female from Anioma (Delta, North Senatorial District, Igbanke, Edo State, Onitsha, Anambra State, Ndoni and Rivers State).

Ohai also said that first prize winners attract cash prizes and other fringe benefits including scholarships plus room and board to attend the Asaba Film Academy where they could become the face of Nollywood in just 6 months after their training. “Ultimately, the gorgeous contestants will take home the crown in 2017”.

The CEO who warned that prospective participants that application closing deadline is November 30, 2016.

Assuring the public of the credibility of “Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant”, Ohai said The Miss Umu Anioma contest is more than a beauty pageant as women aspiring to be Miss Umu Anioma must be professional, intelligent, outgoing, poised, able to meet the public, confidently beautiful and understand community and civic responsibility. In addition to being a role model for other youth and a woman who is proud of Anioma Nation and   is eager to promote her Anioma heritage as something to live and die for”.

On the side attractions, Ohai noted that VIPs from Anioma area of Delta State will grace the occasion with the theme: “Discussion on The Determinants of Prosperity”. Meanwhile Prof Pat Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy, Lagos Business School; will be the Keynote Speaker while Chief Ben Elue, former Deputy Governor, Delta State will chair the convention.

Coordinator of Talent Show on that day, Stanley Nwanze, said that talented Anioma sons and daughters will also have an opportunity to showcase their talents to the huge audience.

Already, the President of Umu Anioma Dakar, Senegal Chapter, Mr. Felix Nzemeka had pledged to send an aspiring professional comedian to participate in that segment.

The organisers hope that this 2016/2017 edition would be a springboard to a bigger picture of what the organisers have in mind, as future pageants will be garnished with seminars, workshops and symposia.