The Face of Arise Africa Magazine Awards & Pageant took place on Saturday 29thJuly at Benchmark Hotels Owerri Imo State with the theme REDEFINING AFRICA TO THE WORLD.
The Magazine is known for raising the beautiful continent of Africa one information at a time and also creating a platform for self discovery and empowerment for the youths.A top notch Entertainment & Media firm, Model management and projection, Events, Training, Human Resources Development, Marketing of Brands and products and other community development projects.
Arise Afrika provide pathways and opportunities for youths to become active both in local, state and national communities.
The occasion which marked the grand finale ofa contest that began with 34 contestants online before the audition on 30thJune where about 26 contestants emerged tobattle for the crown of who would be the Face of Africaproduced 10 Brand Ambassadors and 1 Queen of Africa.
The programme was moderated by Klasikal of Rhema Fm & E-Berry of Hot Fm.
The programme kicked off with a red carpet and at about 4.30pm Henry Ibeh opened the meeting with a word of prayer, He introduced the Mcs and the DJ took over the stage for the National Protocol.
The Arise Afrika Magazine was introduced to the Audience by the lady with a golden voice popularly know as E-berry. The magazine is published by Sommies Ltd.“ By reading Arise Afrika you would be a ahead of others as there are many informative, educative and thrilling articles. She encouraged the public to ensure they pick up their copy” Articles includes Discover your Talents, Business Start Ups, Serve God with Joy, Mind Power of Relevance, So you want to Have a Friend,Hold your Leaders Accountable,Poverty : A curse, Disease or a Sponsored Predicament, Think Like a Victor, Stay Connected,
The opening remark was taken by partner of FAAPA Hon Mrs. Shirley Munonye .\”If you have a dream, be careful who you take your dreams to because there are those that would help you achieve these dreams and those that would discourage you from achieving it. FAAPA has been on for a while. You can agree with me that planning a program is not easy I will like us to put our hands together for Mr. Ik Anyanwu, CEO Sommies, Founder Arise Afrika. He has done a lot in putting up this wonderful program and creating a platform for self discovery for our youths. He has really worked hard for what we are witnessing today. I want to welcome you all and thank you for associating with us and being here todayto be part of what we are doing.
For months we have been impacting various skills to the contestants that today, we can say they have been equipped and empowered for the future. One thing I would charge you all today is that you don\’t have to wait for the government. You have to build your own brand and calve a niche for yourself. This is a project that we decided to undertake because beauty is not just about the outside appearance but what is inside of an individual. Don\’t just sit at home and wait for a white collar job. But seek for ways of becoming self reliant. Don\’t just say you cannot do because there is something you can do. Please I appeal to you don\’t hesitate to help us whenever we come to you\”
The anchor took it up to challenge the audience, “Don’t shy away from something that you can do because someone says that you can not do it. Say you can and determine\”, you will this spurred the crowd as the opening formalities was concluded.
The keynote Address was delivered by Prof Mrs Adaobi Obasi – Vice Chancellor Imo State University.
She eulogized the organizer of the event ant charged the youths on self reliance. Nze Ralph Njoku – PRO Imo State University represented his principal at the event. “Today we gather you to redefine the Face of Africa. Arise Afrika has done noble in combing the south east and beyond to bring out this talented, aspiring beauty Queens who has received adequate trainingto recreate their dreams, with all the training and level of exposure thisyouths has gotten, we expect them to be useful to themselves and the community at large. We promise to support this noble initiative of our friend and brother Mr Ik Anyanwu who is setting a pace in the area of youth empowerment.”
After his AddressPastor IOC Walter (an International Gospel Music Artist) began the performances for the day as he fired the first shot with his hit track
Nma si na Imo Putawhich caused everyone to stand up on their feet. Followed byOnye oma muo odi onye di ka gi
After which the host Mr. Ik Anyanwu CEO Sommies Ltd/Founder Arise Afrika shared his vision. In an eloquently delivered address, he left no one in doubt to what Face of Arise Afrika project is all about. According to the Arise Africa Boss “ This Pageantry will present a unique contemporary innovation that will give hope, sooth hearts, and uplift and promote ethical, cultural and moral values unlike most contests.
We will raise a generation of young people accustomed to godly values; integrity, honesty, self esteem, good character, poise, charm personality, beauty, eloquent.
Arise Africa will encourage young models by discovering and developing their talents.Educate, Equip and Empower them with many skills that would take them to the top and not abandon their dreams because of lack of adequate platforms.
Arise Africa will cloud the entertainment / celebrity industry echelon with young models that would serve as role models for the younger generation.
Arise Africa would ignite the passion for a closer relationship with God, that will enable young people acquire the needed inspiration for the emancipation of African continent.
These laudable initiatives will birth-in some level of ethical and social implications for true Modeling in Africa, because this is not just another beauty pageant, but a platform to equip and empower out youths.
In conclusion, he called on Africans to come together and synergize for the development of our communities “we cannot be disintegrating when the rest of the world are integrating globalizing for synergy and mutual welfare.We as a people must come together to design a modern African State. A justPan-Africanist society where every black man can standproud.
The Igbos have been ideologically consistent as a people centered political civilization, for a thousand year; we will remain so! Nothing less can satisfy this dream of a society that is built on Truth, Justice and Freedom for the promotion of a dignified African Life.
Arise Imo
Arise 9ja
Arise Afrika”
After delivering his speech the lady with a sensational voice Evangelist Esther ministeredin a
song “DON’T GIVE UP”.
This was followed by the introduction of the contestantsand the following Judges :
Hon Simple Ugorji , Mr Okereke Chuks, Evangelist Esther Ine and Amb Uchay Odims
The highlight of the event was when the organizers and contestants did the song “I Believe I Can Fly” alongside the Ceo Face of Arise Africa Pageant.
Next on stage to thrill the audience was Kelvin Fretless who added beautiful colors with his Violin.
The contestants later came up with their Unity Dance. Which caused the audience to be more excited about the event.
Henry Joshua was next on stage with his song *Shine your shine, Let us light up the world*
We had a comedian, Lady Gaga and other artist who entertained the crowd.
A short DRAMA with the theme: *Redefining Africa to the world*followed.
Here is the excerpts
: (Nnenwaorie, Nnedinma and Amaka Present)
Nnewaorie:(Takes a deep breath) There is great need for Africa to Arise back to how we use to be. Where there was no hunger, stealing and…
Nnedinma: Nne-nwaorie, is there any problem? You said Africa should Arise back to it\’s former place, is anything wrong with Africa?
Nnewaorie: Too many things are wrong with Africa, yes too many things.
Amaka: Nne, how was Africa and what\’s wrong with it?
Nne nwaorie:(takes another deep breath) moves up stage right and comes back with a key.
My children.
(They answered her)
My eyes have had no sleep thinking of the predicament that had befallen Africa and how we can come out of it. (They stared at her confused)
Many years ago before the colonial era, there was nothing like Padlocks (She shakes her Padlocks to a proscenium direction)
When you are going out, you only cross your entrance with bars. No matter how long you stay there, nobody enters your house until you remove it yourself but this days. You lock your doors with Padlocks before you could come back, your properties will be tampered with.
Amaka: Nnedinma\’t\’ grandmother told us about moonlight stories.
Nnenwaorie: I was coming to that. No mother remembers such again because of the fear of staying out at night. Nnedinma bring the plate of pear behind that door so I can tell you more about African Tradition.
(She brings the pear, seats on her former position as Nnenwaorie continues her story.)
Nnenwaorie: As I was saying, in those days…
Pre -colonial era
A man is seen returning from the farm with the family together with some produce from their farm. Followed by a hunter returning with some hunts.
Another person is seen on a set making baskets and the siblings making pot. The farmer comes in with some yams and exchanges it with some basket and they exit the stage.
Exterior (A crowd Scene)
People are seen gathered on the center Stage, the leader of the crowd addressees them and finally a dance and other appreciative songs are tendered to thank the gods and entertain the crowd.
_light falls back on_
The post modern era
Amaka: Nne, You mean Life was this good in Africa?
Nna Nwaorie:Life was better, I did not tell you all now.
Nnedinma: Tell us more pls.
Nnewaorie: No my daughter. You too have to go and help your mother. Maybe next time, I will tell you more.
(They stand to exit the stage) Amaka still very deep in thought said:
Africa was this better before now. Why do we wonder into darkness?
Why do we take a mirage?
What don\’t we Arise and go back to our be, where we respect culture
(Nne nwaorie and Amaka stares at her continuously)
Arise Africa, Arise the great continent of my fathers, Arise and embrace who you are. (Now walking out with lines, ARISE oh great continent Africa.
*Light fades completely*
After this the contest began in Ernest, we had the contestants in a causal attire, traditional and dinner gown. After which we entered the semi final where the Top ten emerged. They are
At this pointOk Davis took up the stage to do a song as the atmosphere was rally becoming tensed and everyone waited for who would become Face of Arise Africa 2017
After his special piece,the host took up the microphone and announced“And the winner of Face of Arise Afrika 2017 grand finaleis no other person than Queen Precious Okoro a student of Federal Polythenic Nekede”. She represented Angola in the competition.
Other consolation prizes includes 1st Runners up Miss , @ 2nd Runner up Miss….
And Miss FrontlineArise Afrika byMiss Mali (Lydnda) ,Miss Unique Arise Afrika:- Blessings Amadi,Miss Dozzymore (Williams Grace), Miss Social Face of Arise Afrika byMiss Nigeria (Shelly),Miss Creative (Chioma Usman),Miss Blue ribbon –( Marycynthia)Miss Gabon, Miss Tourism by (Adaeze Bathlomew) Miss Burkina Faso, Miss Heritage( Rosemary) , Miss Culture – (Annette Anyanwu), Miss Jireh – (Amarachi Azuguma)
Face of Arise Africa has come a long way in redefining pageantry. After 8 weeks for the contestants.
The Face of Arise Afrika Pageant & Awards was a classic one and quite remarkable for both the contestants and the Awardees.
The event peaked with special recognition and Awards. Some of the Awardees/Dignitaries who received special recognition at the event includes:
Life Time Achievers Award
HE Nneoma Nkechi Roachas Okorocha
Senator Bright Nwanne
Dr Kalu Idika Kalu
Distinguished Personalities of The Year Award
Ugwumba Uche Nwosu
Hon Dcn Chike Okafor
Rt Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo
Hon Kennedy Ibeh
Hon Kenneth Agbim
Dr Ebere Uneze
Ugoeze Shirley Okwudinma
Amb Uche Ogbuagu
Bar COC Akaolisa
Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha
Face of Arise Africa Awards was another season to celebrate people, places and values as the organizers used the opportunity to pay tribute to the following for working towards Africa Arising.
Best Brands Awards ( FROM THE ONLINE VOTING)
Prof Mrs Adaobi Obasi – Educationist of the year
Pastor Jarlath Onuegbu- Icon of Integrity Award
Rev Dr Bunmi Babs – Icon of Integrity Award
Hon Mrs. Shirley Munonye – Media Icon Award
Amb Uchay Odims – Africa Youth Impact Award
Broda Bossman-Comedian of the year
Egbeigwe Apama – Nollywood Actor
Michael Ayomide Balogum – Excellence in Commercial Service Award
Rev Dr Fidel Onuoha – Youth Mentor of the year
Dr Mercy Ogbodo – Youth Mentor Award
Skin Exclusive – Best Boutique of the year
Leadership Development Foundation for Civic Literacy – Civic group of the year
House of Freeda – Best Brand Award
Rotary Club International- Best Community Development Organization
Imo State University – Best Tertiary Institution of the year Award
ProdiverseGlobal Ltd
Pastor Adesoji Joseph – Gospel Music Personality of the year Award
IOC Walter – Gospel Music Personality
Evang Tonniel Avo – Gospel Music Personality
Henry Joshua – Gospel Music Personality Award
Hon Prince Odunze – African Youth Impact Award
Hon Iruono
Ik Ogbonna
Hon Simple Ugorji – African Youth Impact Award
Aqua Victor – Creative Director of the year
Royal Price – Movie Director of the year
DJ Pakky – Best DJ of the year
Jireh Restaurant – Best Restaurant of the year
Hair Forest – Beauty Shop of the year
Nigerian Eye Newspaper –Best Newspaper of the year
Eyitope Kuteyi – Media Personality of the year
Channels Tv – Media Outfit of the year
Nnadozie Osuigbo – Exceptional Young Entrepreneur of the year
Spicy Suya – Innovative Recreational Spot of the year
David Imeh of MTN-African Youth Impact Award
Klasikal Chinedu – Best Comedian of the year
Ebere UzodinmaAkanolu (E-Berry) Best Radio Presenter of the year
Jerry Osuji – Media Icon of the year Award
Hon Rodney Ajaelu – African youth Impact Award
Hon Paddy Obinna – African Youth Impact Award
Frank Nneji – Entrepreneur of the year
Pastor Austin Nnadi – African Youth Impact Award
Rt Hon GT Samuel – Youth Ambassador Award
Kisaha- Ceo Amiboisland- Best Blog of the year
Anaturuchi Greenbrain – Imo Netprenuer of the year Award
Evette Institute of Catering & Fashion Design
Xbusta – Best Hip Hop Artist
Ok Davids – Best R&B
Kelvin Frettlless – Best Music Instrumentalist of the year
Blue Ribbon Lounge – Recreational Spot of the year
Golden Touch- Best Makeup Artist
Mr. Chinedu Hardy Nwadike CEO O Town Gist – Creative Blog
Ariseafrika.com – Innovative Blog
Casmir Nzugoro of Mbaiseblog
Kisha – Ceo of AmiboIsland.com
Owen Brown of Blazers Magazine
Okereke Chuks – Ceo Miss Diamond Nigeria Pageant – African Youth Impact Award
Kaliuko Richard – Ceo Gentle StudioCreative Studio of the year
Okey Ikeh – STA StudioBest Studio of the year
Kanu Nwankwo – Sports Personality of the year Award
Eke Best Chigozie – African Youth Impact Award
Dr Mrs Ikejiaku – African Youth Impact Award
Dr Linus Okorie African Youth Impact Award
Living Word Academy Primary – Best Primary School of the year
Federal Girls College Owerri – Best Secondary School of the year
Hezekiah University – Best Private University of the year
GTB- Best Bank of the year
Esther Ine- Expectional Manager of the Year
MTN – Telecom Company of the year
Villa GardenHotels- Best Hotel of the year
Ibari Ogwa Village – Best Recreational Spot
She Needs A Roof Project – Humanitarian Service Award
Frank Nneji – Entrepreneur of the year
Senator Sam Anyanwu – Most Accessible Senator of the year
Shoprite Owerri – Dynamic Brand of the year
ABC Transport – Best Transport Company of the year
Crunchies Fried Chicken – Best Fast Food Company of the year