Idoma International Carnival 2023: Grace Ogoh emerges Nigerian Carnival Queen

She won the keenly contested crown at the recently concluded Idoma International Carnival held in Otukpo, Benue State.

Ogoh’s victory came after a fiercely competitive contest that saw her outshine eight other beautiful contestants in the Nigerian Carnival Queen category, formerly known as Face of Idoma International.

Addressing the contestants beforehand, Director of Pageantry and renowned Nollywood actress, Lucy Ameh, stressed that participants would be evaluated based on their conduct from the beginning of the camp to their performances at the grand finale.

She said, “This pageant is a testament to the fact that beauty knows no boundaries—it transcends stereotypes, embraces differences, and celebrates the uniqueness that defines us. Each contestant represents a chapter of our collective narrative, a mosaic piece adding to the radiant picture of our nation’s diversity.”

Ameh further urged all contestants to uphold the values of the Idoma International Carnival beyond the beauty competition.

Announcing the winner, the panel of judges led by cerebral Nollywood actress Ani Amatosero, described the contest as a tough fight.

Amatosero acknowledged the outstanding performances of all the contestants, both on and off the stage, making the final decision a tough one.

Eventually, Omaye Ogoh clinched the prestigious crown, with the judges commending her for a combination of charisma, poise, beauty, and intelligence.

Addressing other contestants who didn’t make the top three, Amatosero urged them not to perceive themselves as losers but as individuals with opportunities for growth in future contests.

Omaye Ogoh, the newly crowned Nigerian Carnival Queen, was awarded the star prize of a brand new car along with other enticing rewards.

Augusta Ogabanya Ogaba secured the position of the 1st runner-up, while Christiana Oche Kelvin claimed the third spot.

Established in 2013 by Chief Edwin Ochai as Face of Idoma International, the beauty pageant is aimed at celebrating the beauty and grace of the Nigerian woman on a grand stage.

According to the founder, Ochai, “The contest is about empowering females, giving them a voice to speak up in making a difference. It’s about embracing cultures, accepting our differences, promoting tourism, celebrating our diversity and understanding that it is what makes us special and unique.

“Our vision is to be the best and the most reliable platform where beauty pageantry and women empowerment is warehoused in Nigeria.”