Empowering rape victims will be my priority – Miss Nigeria

The newly crowned Miss Nigeria, Mildred Ehiguese, said her main priority would be to cater for victims of rape and other survivors of child abuse in the country through empowerment.
Ehiguese, 24, said this after she emerged the overall winner out of the 41finalists that contested for the coveted position in the early hours of Friday.
She also told the News Agency of Nigeria that “her victory is the Lord’s doing”.
NAN reports that the 41st Miss Nigeria was until her emergence Miss Adamawa and a graduate of Psychology from the Redeemers’ University in Ede, Osun.
The event took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos State, and was graced by several dignitaries.
Ehiguese , who hailed from Edo, said that  she would show her appreciation by living up to expectations during her reign.
She said: “I am really overwhelmed and grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to serve.  I promise to fulfill every promise I make during my tenure.”
The new beauty queen dressed in the Fulani traditional attire said her project would be to provide medical and psychological help and empowerment opportunities to victims of rape and survivors of other abuses.
NAN reports that Ehiguese, who represented Adamawa at the pageant shed tears of joy as she was declared the overall winner out of the selected 10 finalists.
She was crowned by the 40th queen, the 22-year- old Chioma Obiadi, an advocate of “Green Girl Project, who was crowned in 2016.
The first runner-up position was won by Miss Delta, Rita Chinedu, while Anne Ufuomanefe, who represented Ondo State, emerged the second runner-up.
Sarah Ifidon, one of the 10 finalists, who represented Edo at the beauty pageant contest, said the competition was free and fair; it was a great experience being a part of it.
Miss Anambra, Lovella Eze, who was also eliminated at the final stage, told NAN that the organizers had improved on the quality of programmes.
Eze said: “I must say that the organisers have improved on the quality of the programmes.
“Though I was not among the first 10 that appeared for the final, I have had a good experience of what it takes to participate in a national competition of this magnitude.”
Fidelis Anosike, the Chief Executive Officer  of  Daily Times Group, organisers of Miss Nigeria pageant, while presenting the star prize of a salon car, said all contestants would henceforth be rewarded.
Anosike said: “In a bid to improve our performance, N4.1 million will be made available to the 37 finalists selected from over 50 contestants that applied.
“The reason is to ensure that every girl who took part in the project, goes home with something, it is our way of empowering women beyond beauty.”
According to the CEO, Miss Nigeria formed in 1957 with the Motto, “Empowering Women Beyond Beauty’’, is an annual beauty pageant that showcases positive attributes of the Nigerian women.
Miss Ekiti, Bolarinde Rebecca, won the top model award of the year following her exclusive moves during the show.
Some of the judges include: Joke Silva, Adebola Williams, Odio Oseni and Tara Durotoye.