By Esther Alexander (ABUJA) –
Organizers of the Face of Tiv International have explained that the beauty and cultural pageant is aimed at promoting and celebrating Tiv cultural heritage, beauty and empowerment of women.
National Director of Face of TIV International, Mr. Numero Iwambe, who made this known in an interview with FRONTVIEW AFRICA in Abuja on Thursday, said the objective of the pageant was also to develop perfect Ambassadors to represent the Tiv nation while acting as role models to the younger children and society at large.
Mr. Iwambe spoke a few days after the unveiling ceremony held in Nigeria’s capital on September 19 to seek support for the second edition of the annual event scheduled for November 2021.
Shedding more light on the aim of this annual event and its benefit to the TIV people, Mr. Iwambe said: “The idea behind Face of TIV International is to change the narrative about TIV people. A lot of people believe that an average Benue woman is a s*x object and an average Benue man doesn’t take care of his wife.
“Having observed all the aforementioned negative perception about TIV people, this project is set out to empower the Benue girl child”.
“The theme for the first edition was EMPOWERING TO LEAD. However, the theme for the next edition would be unveiled soon.”
“The first edition was held in Benue, but the next edition would be held in Abuja. And I must say hardworking and dedication made the first a success”.
“Before now, we’ve heard one or two complains from people about lack of activities in Benue like cultural festivals, so bringing FACE OF TIV INTERNATIONAL to the people was like a huge breakthrough. A lot of people came out and were excited.
“They had a couple of trainings, skill acquisition, tour and other tasks that would be of great benefit to the women. Skills like make-up classes, how to tie head gears, baking, sewing and to mention but a few”.
“For the next edition, would definitely introduce different packages that will blow their minds.
Also, the programme has been centralized to reach the unreached Benue person in Nigeria, that’s the major reason the second edition will hold outside Benue.”