Queen Sarah Okli, Miss FCT, triumphed at the 2025 Face of Tourism beauty pageant in Abuja, aiming to boost Nigeria’s tourism potential for economic growth
Miss Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Queen Sarah Okli, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Face of Tourism beauty pageant, defeating 10 other contestants at the grand finale held on Saturday night in Abuja.
The event, which took place at the Armed Forces Officers Mess, Lungi Barracks, showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity with contestants from various states participating.
The competition was a glamorous affair, attended by key stakeholders from the culture, tourism, and entertainment sectors, as well as leaders of corporate organisations.
In addition to the crowning of Okli, Miss Kaduna, Queen Theresa Jonathan, was named the first runner-up and awarded the title of Miss Tradition 2025.
The second runner-up, Miss Enugu, Queen Laura Eze, was crowned Face of Tourism Ambassador 2025, while Miss Akwa Ibom, Queen Anita Emmanuel, was named Face of Tourism North 2025.
In her speech, Jane Ochanya, the Founder and CEO of free Image Humanitarian Foundation (FIHF) the organisers of the pageant congratulated Queen Sarah Okli on her achievement.
She urged the new queen to use her reign to promote Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, focusing on job creation and the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP.
Ochanya emphasised that the pageant aimed to highlight the importance of Nigeria’s tourism sector and draw attention to its potential as a driver of economic growth.
She further urged the government at all levels to increase funding for the tourism and creative industries, which are vital to the country’s economic diversification efforts, as outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Face of Tourism beauty pageant serves as a platform to create awareness about the economic potential of the tourism industry,” said Ochanya, who is also a former beauty queen.
“We want to guide young people, particularly girls, toward positive paths and away from harmful behaviours like prostitution and drug abuse. Tourism can be a catalyst for job creation and the economic development of our country.
The pageant highlights the critical role tourism can play in Nigeria’s development, offering a unique opportunity to promote the sector’s vast potential and inspire future generations to engage with the country’s cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
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