Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — The Uyo Infomedia Office was awash with excitement, applause, and cultural pride on Wednesday as the much-anticipated “Akwa Ibom, My Culture” challenge came to a triumphant close. The glittering award ceremony celebrated the state’s rich heritage and rewarded the creativity of its brightest young talents.
The event, which drew participants, family members, cultural enthusiasts, and staff of Uyo Infomedia Ltd, served as the grand finale of a weeks-long challenge. The initiative called on young Akwa Ibomites to showcase their deep knowledge and appreciation of the state’s traditions, customs, and cultural identity through various creative expressions.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Miss Dorcas Vincent emerged as the ultimate winner of the “Akwa Ibom, My Culture” challenge. For her feat, she walked away with a cash prize of 50,000 Naira and a brand-new kitchen mixer. Her outstanding presentation — described by many attendees as authentic, well-researched, and passionately delivered — resonated deeply with both the judges and the audience, ultimately setting her apart from the other competitors.
Speaking shortly after being announced as the overall winner, an elated Miss Vincent expressed her gratitude to the organisers for creating a platform that allows young people to reconnect with their roots. She described the challenge as more than just a competition, calling it a journey of rediscovery that deepened her understanding of and love for Akwa Ibom State’s culture.
Not far behind her in the final standings was Miss Imaobong Robert, whose brilliant performance earned her the first runner-up position. For her efforts, Miss Robert went home with 30,000 Naira and a water heater, prizes that were warmly received amid cheers from the audience. Her presentation was particularly praised for its creativity and the confidence with which she articulated the values embedded in Akwa Ibom traditions.
Securing the third spot on the podium was Miss Mfonobong Bassey, who clinched the second runner-up position. She was presented with 20,000 Naira and a water flask as her reward for a commendable outing that captured the essence of the competition’s theme. Like her fellow top finishers, Miss Bassey’s performance reflected months of preparation, research, and a genuine passion for showcasing Akwa Ibom’s cultural richness to a wider audience.
While the top three winners took home the lion’s share of the prizes, the organisers also recognised the other contestants who put in equally commendable efforts throughout the challenge. The remaining participants were all rewarded with consolation prizes — a gesture that was widely applauded for acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and courage of every young person who stepped forward to participate, regardless of their final ranking.
The Executive Director of Uyo Infomedia Ltd, Mr Michael Ekpo, graced the occasion to formally present the awards to the winners. In his remarks, Mr Ekpo commended all the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment. He described their involvement as a clear demonstration that the younger generation still holds a deep reverence and appreciation for the cultural values and traditions of Akwa Ibom State.
He extended special appreciation to everyone who took part in the “Akwa Ibom, My Culture” challenge, noting that the quality of entries and presentations far exceeded the organizing team’s expectations. According to him, the initiative was conceived with the primary aim of encouraging young people to take pride in their heritage at a time when many cultural practices are gradually being overshadowed by foreign influences and modern trends.
Mr Ekpo also used the occasion to thank the sponsors, partners, and stakeholders whose support made the event a resounding success. He assured the audience that Uyo Infomedia Ltd remains committed to promoting initiatives that celebrate the identity, history, and traditions of Akwa Ibom State. He further hinted that plans are already underway to make the challenge a quarterly event, promising even bigger prizes and wider participation in subsequent editions.
The Executive Director took a moment to appreciate the judges for their diligence and impartiality throughout the selection process. He noted that the quality of the final scores reflected the rigorous standards applied in evaluating each contestant’s entry, describing the judges’ work as instrumental to the credibility and success of the entire challenge.
The atmosphere throughout the ceremony was one of celebration, unity, and cultural pride, as attendees young and old joined together to appreciate the richness of Akwa Ibom’s heritage. Parents and guardians of the contestants also commended Uyo Infomedia Ltd for the initiative. They noted that such platforms are essential for helping young people build confidence, embrace their identity, and develop public speaking and presentation skills, all while learning more about their roots.
As the ceremony drew to a close, a palpable sense of optimism filled the room regarding the future of cultural preservation efforts in the state. Many expressed hope that more organisations and stakeholders would emulate Uyo Infomedia Ltd by creating similar platforms that meaningfully engage young people with their heritage.
The “Akwa Ibom, My Culture” challenge has clearly succeeded in reigniting interest in the state’s rich traditions among the youth, while providing a platform to celebrate and reward talented young women for their efforts. With the Executive Director’s hint at making the challenge a quarterly event, residents of Akwa Ibom State can look forward to even more exciting editions throughout the year, further cementing the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its unique cultural identity for generations to come.
As Miss Dorcas Vincent, Miss Imaobong Robert, and Miss Mfonobong Bassey bask in the glory of their well-deserved recognition, their achievements stand as an inspiration to other young Akwa Ibomites to take pride in and actively engage with the culture that defines them.
