Angolan wins Miss Africa crown in Calabar

Twenty three year old Neurite Mendes from Angola Sunday morning emerged winner of the maiden edition of Miss Africa beauty pageant organised by the Cross River State government.

She defeated 17 other contestants, carting home a Sport Utility Vehicle and a cash prize of 25,000 dollars at the grand finale which took place at the prestigious Calabar International Convention Centre.

Refilwe Mthimunye of South Africa was the first runner-up while Jencey Anwifoje of Cameroon was the second runner-up.

They carted home 15,000 and 10,000 dollars respectively.

The event made box office record with over 365 million people watching it on television.

Cross River State governor and initiator of the pageant, Prof Ben Ayade stressed the need for Africans to go beyond culture and tourism by deepening their knowledge of science and technology.

His words:”This Africa beauty pageant is a journey to climate change which today is a big challenge globally. That is why Cross River State people knowing full well that we hold 58 percent of the entire forest map of Nigeria and by extension Africa, made the choice of the theme which is, “Green economy, a tool for sustainable development” for the world to know that Africa generates less emissions yet bear the brunt of industrialization.”

Ayade remarked that”the journey towards a formidable climate change has started, hence all must join in this noble course to create a new path of virility in Africa,” adding that,”though there may be temporal challenges but when you put your soul above your problems, your body will follow.”

According to the governor, “as we move into the world, we must be conscious that Africa will begin to create her own kinetics, concept and perception, redefine what Africa is and never allow others to give the narrative of Africa.”
Admitting that Africans must define their selves within the concept and context of their belief for the sustainability of her pride, Ayade averred that,”we must go to the International countries with our technology, culture and heritage to press home our heart.”

Turning to the judges, the governor said: “I believe that your conscience will judge, please I want you for once, to look at what beauty is from the eyes of Africa for time has come when we shall define beauty only by the way Africans know beauty.”
Ayade also announced a cash prize of 300 dollars for each of the 15 contestants who could not secure the first, second and third positions.
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw who spoke for the judges affirmed that”we had a holistic overview of the contestants and considered not only beauty but intelligence.”
Among dignitaries at the event were the deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu, state and national legislators, members of the state executive council, captains of industry as well as the wife of the governor, Dr Linda Ayade who crowned the maiden Africa Queen.