KAGOTE President, Rt. Hon. Deeyah Honored For Pioneering Role In Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant
The President of KAGOTE, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah has been honoured with a Special Recognition/Appreciation Award by the Rivers State Ministry of Tourism and Culture, following his role in birthing the annual Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant.
In a grand and prestigious award presentation ceremony held at the Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Port Harcourt on Sunday, October 8, the ministry said the choice of Rt. Hon. Deeyah for the award was in remembrance and recognition of the pivotal role he played as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism during its maiden edition in 1999 which led to the successful hosting of the event.
Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, expressed his gratitude during the award ceremony.
In his appreciation speech, he said, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. The Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have been part of its inception. This award only motivates me further to continue supporting initiatives that empower and celebrate the remarkable talent and beauty of the Niger Delta.”
Going down memory lane, Rt. Hon. Emma Deeyah recalled that when he was appointed Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in 1999, a young man by name Prince Onisodin Akiagba approached the Ministry with the intention of organizing a Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant.
“We sought His Excellency, Dr Peter Odili’s approval and financial support. That’s what gave birth to this, 24 years after and on the 19th edition, the organization decided to recognize my effort and that of the then Permanent Secretary, Mrs. A. C. Dokubo”, he said.
The event, attended by dignitaries and beauty enthusiasts alike, showcased the vibrant culture, elegance, and grace of the Miss Niger Delta contestants, further emphasizing the importance of the pageant in promoting unity and celebrating the rich heritage of the Niger Delta region.
This year marked the 19th edition of the prestigious pageant, and the award bestowed upon Rt. Hon. Deeyah came 24 years after his instrumental involvement in the inception of the pageantry as pioneer Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
