Non-Native Wins 2023 Face Of Idoma Int’I Beauty Pageant In Benue

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: A Non native of the Idoma people of Benue state, Nigeria, Miss Elizabeth Jones has emerged winner of the 2023 Face of Idoma international (FOII) beauty pageant recently.

Miss Jones Elizabeth, a native of Yache tribe in Cross rivers state, beat other contestants at the pageant held on the 26th of December, 2022, at Oturkpo, Benue state, Nigeria.

It would be recalled that about six years ago the organizers made the contest open to all and sundry, irrespective of tribe, region and Nationality.

Shortly, after a thanksgiving Mass in her honor, on Sunday at St Andrew’s Parish Kakuri, the officiating priest and coordinator, JDPC, Kaduna, Rev. Fr. Joshua Yima Achir, said that his message for the beauty queen is to “keep up the good work she’s been doing” Pointing out that she went into this competition for the sole purpose of serving humanity.

He also said “I remember she once told me that she wants to see people on the streets, the less privileged being catered for. And I told her; it’s a good thing because I always believe that the measure of your greatness lies in your ability to serve. You can see that the dream she had in mind came to reality, so for me, that’s something to be happy about. It’s exciting to identify with her family”

He then urged the youths to borrow a leaf and take every opportunity available to them and make an impact. “It is very important, because sometimes we don’t see the need to do our own bit, in order to affect society positively, we want people to do things for us. Whereas, we can take the bull by the horn and do what is needed for our edification and that of others. So my call is to use every opportunity that you have to affect lives positively” he reiterated.

On her part, Queen Elizabeth’s Mother and Manager, Mrs Mary Jones, described how it feels for her, seeing that her daughter won the contest and prize, she said ” I feel very very, happy”

She further called on parents to try not to discourage their wards on their career choices; stressing that children should be allowed to do whatever they want to do, career wise, with parents’ supervision. “As you can see; I am her manager,” she added.

Elated, the 2023 Face Of Idoma International (FOII) Jones Elizabeth, said she’s happy and blessed to have won even though not Idoma by tribe. Adding that the pageant FOII used to be for only ldoma contestants until 6 years ago when it was made International, making it possible for everyone to contest and win. She’s the second non-indigene to have emerged. Every Nigerian female from 18 years and above can contest for the Face of Idoma International (FOII).

“I feel very happy, it feels exciting to be the 9th Queen” adding “The crown on my head also means that I have a lot of responsibilities and I pray that God gives me the strength to carry out those duties”

She further called on her fellow youths, “Dear youth, there’s no need to be desperate, your thoughts shouldn’t just be about materialistic things. Our reputation in the community matters a lot, we should not be in a hurry to make it, let’s take it one step at a time” she stressed.

Recall that, the prize for the 2023 Face Of Idoma, ( FOI) International includes a car, monthly salary, lots of endorsement deals, brand ambassadorship for different Countries amongst others.