It was an evening of fun, fashion and entertainment for children, parents and guardians who turned out in their numbers to witness this years edition of the annual children pageant and fashion show.The event, which witnessed dignitaries from all walks of life saw nine-year-old Miss Victoria Udoka, emerge winner of the 2016 Face of Hope Kids Pageantry, an initiative of Face of Hope Foundation.Also, six-year-old David Nwoga was also crowned as King of Hope to represent the males and to work with the new queen in the humanitarian outreaches of the Foundation.The young Udoka and David were crowned winner amidst other 14 contestants at the event held on Saturday night at the Sheraton Hotels, Abuja. They will serve as Ambassador of Hope, reaching out to less-privileged children during their one-year reign.Speaking after her win, the little queen Victoria Udoka, pledged commitment towards making her reign a success in reaching out to vulnerable children in the society.I am very excited that I won the crown, and I promise not to waste this opportunity given to me by Face of Hope Foundation. I will work hard to make sure that children, who have no food to eat or good clothes to wear, are cared for.The Face of Hope Foundation, an NGO that empowers and reaches out to the less privileged children through the provision of educational materials, clothing, food items and medical care has been responsible in championing the cause of the less privileged of the society.In an interview with Miss Grace Ibironke Ojo, president FACE OF HOPE foundation, creative director, Grazee Stitches, she explained that the pageant was aimed at creating awareness and exposing privileged children to the plight of the less privileged.This is to imbibe in them a culture of reaching out to help the needy where ever they are. The little Queen and little King will serve as Ambassadors of Hope, focusing on encouraging other kids to take interest in helping the less privileged and as well encourage their parents to do same.Our major aim is to give back to the society and to inculcate in our kids the spirit and nature of giving at an early age, she said. However, she lamented the increasing numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country due to the insurgency in the North East, urging government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the foundation.The 2016 edition of the pageant also featured an exhibition of clothing designed by Grazee Stitches, an Abuja-based fashion line known for simple but stylish male, female and kids designs.Young male and female runway models showcased various styles of designs during the night. Ojo, who is also the Creative Director and CEO of Grazee Stitches, said the exhibition was geared towards curbing growing western influences on Nigerian children at the expense of our culture.Our children need to imbibe Nigerian culture in dressing as against the overwhelming influence of the West by appreciating our uniqueness. The latest ready-to-wear fashion trends for both male, females, adults and children are all available, she explained. 14 children contested for the crown which sawQueen of Hope 2016, Victory Udoka; King of Hope 2016, David Chukwuemeka Nwoga, Runner up (male) Paul Pius; Runner up (female) Olarewaju Moyinoluwa.Popular Abuja comedian, MC Jubilee showed guests the stuff he is made of as he rendered fresh and hilarious jokes to the admiration of the guests at the event.The event was anchored by popular comedians, Shortcut and Edima Anieudo, while the judges were Iyke Adiele; Nollywood Actor Lady Mina Horsfall; Nollywood Actress, Isabella Agbor Duke Ayuk; Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 2012, Chino Emeka, CEO Caires Grooming Agency.Grazee stitches also launched her mid-year ready to wear and also displayed some of her creative measure to wear design. The professional models who wore the designs are models of Myth Model Agency.Personalities were also recognised at the event like Hon. Yakubu Dogara who was recognised for his contribution to the National Assembly, going home with the Hope Alive Personality of the year award, Amb. Aisha Audu-Emeje received an Inspirational Hope Alive woman of the year award. Yahaya Amfani went home with the Hope Alive Man of the year award. While Mrs Aisha Nse Adamu Candido went home with the Personality Hope Alive Woman Of the year awards, 2016.The event also witnessed notable personalities such asAmb. Aisha Audu-Emeje, the CEO of Yalim press Ltd; Mr Yahaya Amfani, Amb. David James Egwu, Co-Founder, The Young CEOs Business Forum, Miss Paula Boro, daughter to the SA to the President on Niger Delta, PMAN President, Abuja chapter, Mr Solomon Nda-Isaiah,Mrs Therasa Madukwe representing the DG NOA, Amb. Chris Odey (CEO, Good will Ambassador Agency), Catherine Agbo, LEADERSHIP Editor, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe (CEO Peace Ambassador Agency) and also lots of Nollywood personalities, CEO, Uzee Concept, Iyke Adiele, Maltida Lambert, Vincent Opurum and comedians such as Koboko, Mc Wahala just to mention a few.
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