#Faceofokija2018: 25-year-old graduates win cultural pageant

25-year-old Oluchi Blessing Nwizugbo has emerged the new Face of Okija (female) at the just concluded Face of Okija Cultural pageant. Oluchi is a graduate of History and International Relations from the Ebonyi State University.

In the male category, Unachukwu Promise Chidi, who is also 25, emerged the winner. He is a graduate of Accounting from the Anambra State University.

At an elaborate ceremony attended by the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, renowned activist and public speaking icon, Professor Patrick Lumumba and award-winning novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the new queen and king promised to use their position to drive attention to the needs of the less privileged and disabled across the country.

The founder of the Obijackson Foundation and Group Managing Director of the Obijackson Group of companies Dr Ernest Azudialu-obiejesi presented the winners with cash of N1million each and a vehicle to help them propagate their work as the new Ambassadors of the Foundation. Dr Azudialu-Obiejesi tasked the new king and queen to remain worthy ambassadors of the Foundation and of Igboland.

“You must now by your daily conduct display positive virtues that your peers will continue to emulate. As Ambassadors of the Obijackson Foundation you occupy a position of influence, we are coming on you to use it to impact humanity,” said Dr Ernest Obiejesi.

The Face of Okija Cultural Festival started in 2014 as an initiative to drive the attention of the youths to the positive values in the Igbo culture.

This year, an emphasis was placed on discouraging the youths from embarking on the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean sea to Europe in search of an imaginary better life.

Speakers at the event including professor Patrick Lumumba and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie pointed out that the pasture on Nigeria is still green if only the youths can remain hardworking focused and creative.