By Kevin M. Baerson

The Miss Akwa Ibom Pageant concluded in the captiol, Uyo, this month, crowning Ms. MaryAnn Basey Uduak (pictured) as Miss Akwa Ibom 2006. Ms. Uduak will hold the prestigious title for one year, using the platform as past winners have to serve as a de facto ambassador for Akwa Ibom State to the whole of Nigeria and the world.

The much-anticipated event represents an effective public sector-private sector partnership between Immaculate Vision Poductions and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture & Tourism.

Past pageant winners have engaged in such charitable projects as developing scholarship funds for promising students, promoting HIV/AIDS

awareness, and helping the state’s needy children.