Worried by the rising spate of cervical cancer in Nigeria and the need to create the needed awareness in order to reduce it to the lowest rate, as well as to saved save lives, the project direct of Queen of Emerald Nigeria organisation, Ambassador Uche Okafor, organiser of the Queen of Emerald Nigeria pageant has reaffirmed the commitment of his orgainsation as a mean to raise beauty queens who will lead the campaign against cervical cancer among women in Nigeria.
According to the current survey, among the female population in Nigeria, Cervical cancer is the most common cancer. In 2007, it was reported that 36.59 million women aged 15 years in Nigeria are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
The Project Director in a chat with the Media opined that the that entry for the 2018, season 3 edition, dubbed ‘the Classic Edition’ has opened for healthy, intelligent and decent Nigerian girls from 18 to 28 years who will contest for the prestigious Queen of Emerald Nigeria crown.
“Our aim is to cretae the needed awareness and save lives. We will use the best ways available to reach the targeted audience.
“Also, we are planning to raise beauty queens who will lead the awareness campaign on cervical cancer as well as help to bring out the best in young Nigerian women including building their self-confidence, personal development and increase their drive for success.
“We are partnering with cancer awareness organisations, individuals and brands like Medicaid cancer foundation, TUM Group, Optimal Cancer Foundation, Dallas Hair Cosmetics Nigeria, Amazing Amazon Initiatives, Noble and Creative Minds Africa Foundation, amongst others.
“In addition to winning the prestigious crown, an official car will be attached to the office of Queen of Emerald Nigeria 2018, a trip to an African country and an opportunity of being brand ambassador and of course, an international cervical cancer awareness ambassador. ” Ambassador Okafor retorted.
Registration is free, but an audition tour to 12 cities across Nigeria will kick off in the month of March 2018, starting with Ibadan on the 3rd, Benin and Asaba 4th, Awka and Enugu 10th. Others are Owerri 11th, Port Harcourt 17th, Calabar 18th, Abuja 24th, Kogi 25th, and then Ogun and Lagos 31st March, 2018.
Amb. Okafor believes that the best way to give back to the society is to work on projects like this.