In a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the inaugural edition of the Little Mister and Miss Culture and Heritage 2024 pageant was held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Barcelona Hotels in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Organized and hosted by Miss Loretta Effiong Imah, an advocate for youth involvement in promoting cultural heritage in Nigeria, the event was themed “Harnessing and Promoting Culture among Younger Generation in Nigeria.”
In her welcome remarks, Miss Imah said the 2024 Little Mr and Miss Culture and Heritage contest was put together to build a society of strong children and youth who believe in their cultural identity and heritage.
She expressed confidence that the pageant would become an annual event, calling on relevant government agencies, corporate bodies, and spirited individuals to partner with her organization in subsequent editions.
Also speaking, Comrade Okon Emmanuel, President of the Youth Tourism Development Organization of Nigeria (YTDO), emphasized the significance of the event in educating the youth and reviving the country’s cultural values, which have “almost gone into extinction.”
“Each of the ethnic groups in Nigeria is endowed with diverse, unique, and distinctive culture in various aspects, ranging from languages, customs, norms, value, and history, dances, textile, and fashions, arts and crafts,” Mr Emmanuel said. “Yet, not much has been done to promote Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage.”
He stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural heritage, which is not only a source of national pride but also a vital component of the country’s identity and tourism potential.
“The promotion of culture and heritage through Little Mister and Miss Culture and Heritage Nigeria should be applauded and supported, as it is important to educate them from the cradle in order to fully revive our cultural values,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the event, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Musa, the Uchu Fadan Ninzo stated that the participants, representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, were being allowed to “showcase our rich culture and cultural heritage, which will go a long way in enhancing unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.”
“The theme of this event is no doubt a step in the right direction as our rich and cultural heritage is gradually giving way to an alien and adulterated one because of the negative effects of Globalization,” Alhaji Umar Musa said, emphasizing the urgent need for a concerted effort to curtail the ugly phenomenon and promote “our rich cultural values in not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole.”
The inaugural pageant featured eight contestants from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, who showcased their talents and cultural prowess through traditional and English attires, runway modelling, singing, dancing, and a quiz competition.
Evangelina Ihotu Owoicho representing Benue State was crowned Little Miss Culture and Heritage Nigeria 2024, while Chiziterem Jeremy Nwaorgu representing Imo State emerged as the Little Mister Culture and Heritage Nigeria 2024. Emmanuella Ojo Nuyo Abu representing Kogi State won the award for Best Dressed 2024.
The event also honoured distinguished personalities for their excellence in their chosen careers and their contributions to promoting Nigerian cultural heritage, especially among the youth.
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