Nsit Atai Chairman Supports Indigene At Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageant
The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting indigenes of the area, as he backed Queen Blessing Gideon Ekpe, an indigene of Nsit Atai, at the grand finale of the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageant 2026/2027 in Uyo.
Nyong attended the grand finale on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Jackville Event Centre, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, where Queen Blessing Ekpe emerged as the first runner-up among 13 contestants, while Queen Majesty Jacob Ottong was crowned winner.
The event, organised and sponsored by Panache Empowerment Global Africa (PEG-Africa), a non-governmental organisation established to empower people and give meaning and succour to lives, was held under the theme “Crown for Purpose”.
PEG-Africa originated from Panache Global Entertainment, United Kingdom, while the pageant was endorsed by the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board.
Speaking at the event, Prince Nyong commended the organisers for their professionalism and for creating a platform where young women could discover themselves, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.
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He said his presence at the event was primarily to support Queen Blessing Ekpe, whom he described as “the daughter of Nsit Atai” proudly representing the local government area, stressing that supporting and standing by indigenes of Nsit Atai remains a key priority of his administration.
The Chairman congratulated Queen Blessing Ekpe on her impressive performance and Queen Majesty Jacob Ottong on her emergence as winner, commending all the contestants for their display of confidence, talent, and intelligence.
He urged the contestants to become worthy ambassadors of their communities, preserve the cultural identity of Akwa Ibom State and remain connected to the communities that shaped them.
Nyong stressed that participation in a beauty pageant should go beyond physical appearance, noting that such platforms provide opportunities for young women to champion causes that affect society and make positive contributions to their communities.
He also encouraged the contestants to build meaningful relationships and networks that could help them sustain their projects and humanitarian initiatives beyond the pageant.
The Chairman particularly commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his administration’s efforts in positioning Akwa Ibom as a major tourism destination and promoting and deepening the state’s rich cultural heritage.
He noted that the initiative of PEG-Africa and the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageant align with the Governor’s vision for the development of culture and tourism, particularly in creating platforms that showcase the state’s identity, attract attention to its cultural heritage and empower young people to become ambassadors of Akwa Ibom.
Nyong expressed confidence in the quality of the contestants, describing them as intelligent, capable and adequately equipped to make a difference in their respective communities.
He further disclosed that Nsit Atai Local Government Council would be willing to work with Queen Blessing Gideon Ekpe in supporting initiatives that could contribute to the development of the people and the community.
The Chairman also commended the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of PEG-Africa, Princess Emem Essien, for her tireless efforts in organising what he described as a fantastic show, noting that the initiative would contribute to the promotion of culture, tourism and youth development in the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, Princess Emem Essien said the event was more than a beauty pageant, describing it as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State, empower young women and promote community development through leadership and humanitarian services.
She said the 2026/2027 edition was the second edition of the pageant and expressed appreciation to guests, sponsors and the Akwa Ibom State Government for endorsing the programme through the State Hotels and Tourism Board.
According to her, the contestants underwent training in etiquette, poise, speech, public speaking, catwalk and other areas designed to build their confidence and prepare them for the competition.
She added that the training was also aimed at helping the contestants discover themselves, develop confidence and interact effectively with people and institutions.
Princess Emem Essien thanked Prince Nyong for honouring the event with his presence, particularly for his support for Queen Blessing Ekpe, and described the Chairman’s leadership as exceptionally humble and accessible.
The programme featured a pageant dinner, awards, cultural displays and the crowning of the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen, who will serve for one year as an ambassador for culture, tourism and youth empowerment in the state.
The event culminated in the crowning of Queen Majesty Jacob Ottong as the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen, while Queen Blessing Gideon Ekpe of Nsit Atai emerged as first runner-up.
In recognition of his selfless service and commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment and community development, Prince Nyong was presented with an Award of Excellence by the CEO and Founder of PEG-Africa, Princess Emem Essien.
