The duo of Wisdom John Nkereuwem and Udo Comfort on Thursday emerged as Mr NIJ and Miss NIJ respectively at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) pageantry for its 2024 students’ week.
The grandeur had 12 contestants all of which are from National Diploma (ND) 1 of the monotechnic – and they include Bankole Aminat, Akerele Princess, Chukwuadibie Fiona, Olajiga Blessing and Olaoye Victor.
Others are Musa Joy Ali, Ayomiposi Oni Joan, Obeh Benjamin, Michael Maebi Susan and Okwoli Grace Egweye.
With the trio of Queen Iretioluwa, Olatunmade Adegoke and Ola-Abraham Emmanuel (Afrika) as judges, the contestants were engaged in different tasks ranging from catwalk/parade of different kinds; journalistic presentation, cultural attire/presentation, which involved the representation of the diverse culture in Nigeria.
The ‘rigorous run of activities’ also had group and individual dance from the contestants, while they equally participated in talent performance as well as question and answer session held by the judges.
The judges had earlier highlighted charisma, confidence and composure among other things as criteria that are of utmost importance in the lookout for eventual winners.
Upon the completion of all required events and critical assessments by the judges, Obeh Benjamin and Aminat Bankole joined the winners on the night as Mr Photogenic and Miss Photogenic 2024.
The duo of Musa Joy Ali and Olaoye Anuoluwapo Victor were also crowned as Miss Amity and Mr Amity respectively.
“I feel very excited. I enjoyed the experience all through. The preparation was so tense, but it was worth it at the end of the day,” Mr NIJ, John said expressing his excitement.
The pageantry also witnessed a dance performance from the planning committee of the event, which comprises Soledayo Moyinoluwa, Kolawole Damilola and others.
Students ‘outside’ the contestants were equally involved in a ‘parade’ – a contest judged by the Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo; and finalist, Adeola Sunday was announced winner for the male category and ND 1 student, Ezinne Akoma was adjudged the winner for the female category.
Hosted by finalist and sports director, Richard Avonda and Higher National Diploma (HND) 1 broadcast student, Stephanie Coco Bassey, the pageantry was day four of the lecture free-week activities.
While sports day did not go as planned on Wednesday due to the flooded field caused by heavy rainfall, the grand opening and NIJ Got Talent went down on Monday; Cultural day on Tuesday – and a line-up of top-notch resource persons and experts are expected to grace the career show and concert on Friday.
The sports day has been rescheduled for Saturday alongside the Grand finale/Dinner & Awards, thereby culminating in the conclusion of the events, which so far deserve huge commendation from everyone involved.
