Nigerian, Zirra Banu, Wins Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant

Jan 15, 2013 – Nigerian, Zirra Banu, Wins Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant

Zirra Banu, formerly Miss ECOWAS Nigeria, was crowned Miss Economic Community of West African States Peace Ambassador 2012 after demonstrating a brilliant show of intellect, elegance and eloquence.

The pageant, which took place in Rivers State, Nigeria, included a traditional dance segment and a peace forum, in which Miss Banu also emerged winner of the Peace Message Award.

The Nigerian made West Africa proud by displaying intelligence, poise, and a true desire to promote peace and diplomacy. She won to a standing ovation from the crowd, which included dignitaries such as Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission for the African Union (AU) Diaspora African Forum, and deputy governor of Rivers State, Engr. Tele Ikuru, representing Governor Rotimi Amechi.

Amid strong competition, Miss Hyeladzirra Banu effortlessly beat other 26 contestants, including first runner-up, Annelise Konaté of Cote D’Ivoire and second runner-up, Keshia Ferguson of Ghana to win the prestigious title.

The newly crowned beauty queen maintained that her goal was to execute development projects through the platform, stating that it was the reason she entered the pageant. She maintained that she was very interested in working with ECOWAS and other delegates on various projects.

Miss Banu, who holds honours degrees in International Relations, Political Science and Communications, has a vast array of significant experiences with NGOs and think tanks, including the Brookings Institution, Washington D.C.

In 2010, she initiated a non-profit with fellow undergraduates to execute a development project in Nigeria. She currently serves as founder and CEO of the Dorcas Sapele Foundation.

The new ECOWAS Peace Ambassador will work to promote peace and champion youth initiatives in West Africa.

The ECOWAS Peace Pageant, organised by Ghana-based 702 Productions, is the most prestigious pageant in the region, set up to promote the ECOWAS Youth Agenda and instil peace in the region. The pageant is endorsed by the ECOWAS Commission.

The event package included presentations by Grammy Award winner, Joe Thomas, Asa and Brymo amongst other artistes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.missecowas.org

www.missecowasnigeria.com