The serene city of Calabar, Cross River State, burst into vibrant celebrations on Saturday as Miss Glory Tete, representing Akpabuyo Local Government Area, was crowned Queen of Humanity 2024. The prestigious event, held at the iconic Calabar International Conference Centre, was a marquee highlight of the annual Carnival Calabar Festival. It celebrated not just beauty but the empowerment, resilience, and boundless potential of the girl child.
The Queen of Humanity Beauty Pageant, a brainchild of the State’s First Lady, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of young women. Described as a celebration of elegance, talent, and values, the pageant emphasised equity, justice, and compassion as central themes. The First Lady articulated her vision for the initiative, stating, “Our Queen of Humanity 2024 will champion transformative projects that align with our Humanity Without Borders Initiative. Her reign will amplify voices, nurture dreams, and foster progress with humanity at its core.”
A constellation of dignitaries, including Governor Bassey Otu, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, members of the Federal and State Executive Councils, and revered traditional rulers, graced the event, lending it an air of grandeur. Their presence underscored the importance of initiatives aimed at elevating the girl child as a cornerstone of societal progress.
In a poignant acceptance speech, Queen Glory Tete expressed profound gratitude to God and the First Lady for the privilege of bearing the mantle of hope and progress. She pledged unwavering dedication to her mission, stating, “I will use my reign to promote humanitarian values, inspire young girls, and uphold core societal ethics that will foster a brighter future for generations to come.”
The pageant’s competitive rewards reflected its grandeur. Queen Glory Tete received a star prize of ₦5 million and a brand-new SUV. Miss Deborah Aki, the first runner-up, was awarded ₦3 million, while the second runner-up, Miss Ritermiquin Odey, took home ₦1.5 million. The 17 other finalists, who exemplified poise and determination, each received consolation prizes of ₦200,000, highlighting the organisers’ commitment to uplifting all participants.
Miss Margaret Ekpo, the outgoing Queen of Humanity, reflected on her impactful reign with gratitude. She noted how the platform transformed her outlook, declaring, “This initiative has proven that the girl child can rise to any challenge with zeal and determination, becoming a beacon of hope and progress.”
The pageant showcased the contestants’ grace through multiple segments, including swimwear, traditional attire, and evening dresses. The First Lady lauded their performances, describing them as “torchbearers of ethical values and symbols of virtuous living.” Her remarks underscored the deeper purpose of the pageant: to celebrate women who embody strength, character, and a commitment to societal transformation.
An emotional highlight of the evening came from Mrs. Nya Ani, the mother of the newly crowned queen. With tears of joy, she expressed profound gratitude to the organisers, remarking, “This is a proud moment for our family and a dream come true for my daughter. Words cannot fully capture my happiness tonight.”
As Queen of Humanity 2024, Miss Glory Tete embarks on a transformative journey to advocate for inclusivity, amplify humanitarian values, and champion projects aimed at uplifting girls across Cross River State and beyond. Her reign promises to inspire hope and catalyse meaningful change, setting a new standard for societal progress through empowerment.
