27 out of the expected 36 countries have arrived Calabar for the second edition of the Cross River State Miss Africa Climate Change Beauty Pageant.

The beauty pageant which is the initiative of the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade  is a platform aimed at creating awareness about   the effect of climate change and its attendant impact.

Beauty pageantry

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Event Management, Mr. Tom Ikpeme who promised a bumper and most memorable 2nd edition of the pageant hinted: “As part of innovations winner of this year’s event will emerge through vote.”

Ikpeme explained that the pageant has now received notable acceptability among African countries with increased number of participants and assured that the state will leverage on that and spice up the event with international entertainment fragrances. “

In separate chats at the TINAPA Lake Resort, some of the contestants expressed their enthusiasm for the event while at the same time bemoaning the devastating effects of climate change in their separrate countries.

Miss Fatima Ibrahim Murtar, a Moslem contestant from Somalia who sounded very optimistic of winning the crown said: “I want to do something different contrary to my belief.”

She explained that “We are already experiencing the effect of climate change in Somalia with deadly drought all over and I want to use this platform if I eventually win to educate our people, especially those in the affected regions about the dangers and see how we could bring succour to them through empowerment with the support of international bodies.”

Miss Hellen Itivita from South Sudan, who was awed by the beautiful Calabar scenery said: “It’s nice to be in Nigeria finally. I have been listening to their music, watched their movies but I have never been here but today, I thank God I made it here. It’s such a beautiful place to be.

On her chances of winning the crown, Hellen said: “I will stay positive. We all know Sudan is a war torn country and if I win this pageant I will work with the International Organizations there to preach more on the effect of climate change and environment.”