Victoria Ubani, Face of Niger Delta 2014
The much publicized Face of Niger Delta Cultural Pageant 2014 finally saw the light of the day despite all set backs and change of venue due to uncompromisable government function which took the center stage at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort.
The mammoth crowd drawn from different sectors and industries gathered at Sheer Grace Arena in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on Friday, October 10th 2014, after much ado and red carpet paparazzi, at about 9: 45 pm, Obed David & Nollywood hopeful Sedater (the comperes) declared event open, announcing activities on the agenda, one after the other.
After two appearances, and presentation by the contestants on the topic ‘towards the Niger Delta of our dream’,Victoria Ubani; a 300-level University of Port Harcourt Communication Arts student from Abia state emerged Face of Niger Delta 2014 in a stiff contest with damsels from the nine states of Niger Delta. She was crowned and decorated by Senior Manager of Youth, Culture, Sports & Women Affairs, NDDC Akwa Ibom state.
Following her were Ekemini Umoren from Akwa Ibom state who came first runner-up, while Sharon Ozuru from Rivers State emerged second runner-up. Indeed it was a tough decision for the panel of judges which comprised of credible personalities in fashion, music, media and entertainment.
Precisely Elisha Attai, Joseph Benjamin, Nathan & Jenifer Eliagwu. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of NDDC, Sir Barr. Dan Abia who was represented at the event, reiterated the commission’s dedication to support youth oriented projects.
He congratulated the Kelly Godwin Attah led Gold House Production team for being able to pull off a world-class event with the capacity to unite the people and foster peaceful coexistence, showcasing the region’s rich cultures all in line with the commission’s goals.
Victoria Ubani was presented the keys to the brand new Kia Rio 2014 salon car by the Special Assistant to the MD of NDDC on Youth &
Culture- Mr George Turner who represented the MD, with promise of a million Naira cash prize and monthly salary.
She will also be flown to Sun City-South Africa to attend a leadership training moulding her to become a good ambassador for Nigeria’s oil rich region.
The event progenitor-Kelly Godwin Attah was full of smiles, with the development and subsequent empowerment of the new Face of Niger Delta, Gold House Production Internationl officially and automatically assumes responsibility of her management as a sole agency to her during the period of her reign.
The grand finale-gala night was fun-filled, the audience were held spell-bound for hours to savour performances by cultural troupes from the nine state of the region and by talents drawn from different states of the region; the likes of Fadabasi, J’odie, Dear Kelly,
Chidinma, Ice Kyd, UNIK brothers, Mr. Johny, David Daniels, Comedians Sir James and General Odey, while Naija Old Skool dance crew left the crowd in awe with their incredible dance stunts which almost brought down the stage.