Queen Sarah Okli, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has won the prestigious Face of Tourism 2025 pageant in Abuja

Miss Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Queen Sarah Okli, has triumphed over ten other contestants to secure the coveted title of Face of Tourism 2025.

The grand finale of the keenly contested beauty pageant unfolded on Saturday night at the Armed Forces Officers Mess, Lungi Barracks, in Abuja.

The glamorous event drew participants from various states across Nigeria, showcasing the diverse beauty and talent within the nation. Ultimately, it was Queen Sarah Okli who impressed the judges most, earning her the prestigious crown.

Joining her in the winners’ circle were Miss Kaduna, Queen Theresa Jonathan, who was crowned Miss Tradition 2025 as the first runner-up, and Miss Enugu, Queen Laura Eze, who took the title of Face of Tourism Ambassador 2025 as the second runner-up. Miss Akwa Ibom, Queen Anita Emmanuel, was also recognised, receiving the title of Face of Tourism North 2025.

The evening was a vibrant affair, attracting key figures from the culture and tourism sectors, alongside showbiz entrepreneurs and heads of corporate bodies, all gathered to celebrate the tourism industry.

Jane Ochanya, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the “Free Image Humanitarian Foundation (FIHF),” the organisers of the annual pageant, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the newly crowned tourism queen.

She urged Queen Sarah Okli to utilise her reign effectively to champion Nigeria’s rich tourism potential, particularly in its capacity for job creation and its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Ochanya, the primary aim of the event is to promote Nigeria’s vibrant tourism sector and to draw the attention of relevant stakeholders, especially the federal government, to the crucial role tourism plays in the national economy.

She emphasised that as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economic base, the tourism and creative sectors present viable alternatives if they receive adequate attention and investment.

Ochanya called upon governments at all levels to ensure increased funding for the tourism sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ochanya, herself a former beauty pageant winner, explained that her motivation for organising the pageant stems from a desire to provide positive direction and opportunities for young people, particularly girls.

“We need to assure them that they can be successful in a positive way rather than venturing into prostitution, drugs and other social vices,” she stated.

“The Face of Tourism beauty pageant, amongst other things, is focused at creating awareness on the economic potentials of the tourism industry.