Events

Miss FCT crowned face of tourism 2025

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2025

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.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

6 hours ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.