OBI, IGWE ACHEBE FOR GRACE 2011
All roads lead to the Household of God Church this weekend, as the Oregun, Lagos based church celebrates its GRACE 2011 programme.
According to a release from the church, the Pastor, Revd Chris Okotie would host dignitaries at the glamorous event on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 5pm.
As usual, it promises to be another night of stars, as the event is known to attract movers and shakers of the society. Among the top dignitaries expected is Governor Peter Obi of Anambra, and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
The highlights of the charity event are the KARIS Award, which will be given to ace goal keeper of the Green Eagles and the Enugu Rangers football team Emmanuel Okala, an indigene of Onitsha, Anambra State, which explains why the Obi and the governor would grace the event. The award carries a cash prize of one million naira.
Also, as is the tradition since GRACE inauguration in 1990, four charitable organisations will receive donations of 500, 000 naira each. They are, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Sunshine Foundation, Little Saints Orphanage and Spinal Cord Injuries Association.
The Queen Esther beauty pageant, which was added to the GRACE event in 2006, will assume another dimension this year. A car is up for grabs by the winner and one million naira. This is the first time a car prize would be given.
According to the church's website, the Queen Esther beauty pageant was first held in December 2006 as part of the events under the Grace Programme. This beauty competition is a remarkable pageant for Christian women and it seeks to portray the beauty and strength of the Christian woman.
Contestants adorn themselves with attires reminiscent of various female bible characters. They march out with poise and to rhythm and they model their characters with unique style. They portray the strength of the characters they represent and the originality and creativity of their attires play a great part in deciding the winner of the competition. The judges are made up of distinguished Christian women leaders, renowned fashion designers and beauticians.
The first lady to win the crown was Jumoke Adebajo in 2006, dressed as Pharaoh's daughter. Jennifer Gbajumo succeeded her in 2007, dressed as an Egyptian woman. Others were, Stella in 2008, dressed as Queen of Sheba, Sophia Akpunonu in 2009, dressed as Eve in a unique style that won her the admiration of the judges and finally, Oyindamola Yusuf who appeared gallant, like Deborah, waving her sword drawn from its sheath.