OMIDAN O’ODUA BEAUTY PAGEANT & REALITY SHOW GATHERS MOMENTUM
The much publicised first ever culturally-related beauty pageant and reality show, Omidan O'odua Beauty Pageant & Reality Show is gradually gathering momentum, the organisers said they are leaving no stone unturned to ensuring a successful maiden edition of the two-in-one socio-cultural revolution that will take the country by storm. The event is slated for November 28, 2010.
Arrangement is in top gear to start the sales of forms from the last week of August, 2010 for interested contestants and participants. However, across many campuses in the South-Western States of Nigeria, students especially ladies have started showing interest to be part of this unique beauty pageant. For purchase of forms which is already on, all participants should check out details on the event's website www.omidanoodua.com.
What Nigerians and indeed the world might be witnessing in terms of beauty pageant in the next few months appears to be a new dimension to queen contests in Nigeria. For those who are passionate about culture, the debut of Omidan O'odua beauty pageant will be an icing in their cakes as it promises to showcase and celebrate the cultural heritage of Yoruba race extra ordinaire.
The event which is being packaged by Olymaat Ventures Limited & Omidan O'odua International Coy will have contestants from the ten states which have historical descent with the O'odua. These are Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Ekiti, Edo, Delta and Kogi states. The project is said to have received the blessings of prominent traditional rulers in the South-West and some state governments.
The 20 finalist pageants will be camped at the La'Campaigne Tropicana Resort for two weeks before ten of them will be evicted, then other surviving ten will be participating at the final phase of the event at a colourful event in Lagos.
The house will have in attendance resource persons that will share with the ladies rich historical analysis and features of the Yoruba race and people, culture, values and norms will be promoted. Culturally-related artistes and individuals will be adding value to the programme in its entirety.
According to the Project Manager of the Pageant Mr. Ogiri Cosmas, the pageant is one event with a purpose. “We want to move away from the conventional style of beauty pageants. It is intended as a tool to re-launch and celebrate our beautiful culture as well as promote socio-cultural integration among all the states of O'odua extraction.” She would also spear-head our national dream for cultural export and also encourages the enhancement of Nigeria's cultural tourism by drawing attention to the wealth of tourist attractions in Nigeria.
The Marketing Manager of the Pageant, Miss Kemisola Otekaiye (Nkan Eleduwa) called for support from government and corporate organisations including multinationals towards powering the maiden event. In her words “I crave the indulgence of the corporate organisations and government parastatals to support this project as we are set to give the best of mileage and Return On Investment (R.O.I) if they buy into this endeavour” she asserted.
Beauty, Boldness and Brain said to be the core trait of Moremi (a Yoruba heroine) will be the burning desire in the search of who wears the exalted Omidan O'odua crown. The winner of this maiden edition will go home with fantastic prizes.
In order to fully achieve its goal, the queen will become the ambassador of Yoruba culture; articulate the rich cultural heritage in terms of dressing, language, values and dignity of womanhood among others.
Highlighting another angle to the beauty pageant, he said there will be TV reality show where contestants will be examined on the values and culture of O'odua, home management and other talents. “It is not going to be only a fanfare of parade of queens but also a Reality Show to determine the real queen in the mould of Moremi.
This also gives the viewing public the opportunity to be part of the show by sending in text messages to vote for those candidates they feel should be evicted and those who should ultimately move on to the next round of the context.
The event is supported by Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, all South-Western states Government and media organisations.
Alayande Stephen T.
Media Coordinator