MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA 2013 When Luck Smiles On One

Many beautiful girls were called, but only one was chosen. The lucky pick was 18-year-old Anna Banner, who was, on Saturday night, crowned the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria for 2013.

She emerged from a haven of 31 other delicately pretty contestants that had, in the preceding two weeks, been camped in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where they went through different forms of training and related with natives as they toured various parts of the state.

With the victory, soft-spoken Banner, who was, interestingly, introduced to the competition by a friend, will be in Indonesia later in the year, where her beauty resources will face a global test, as she will represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant. This is apart from the ovation that greeted her victory as she was declared the winner, at the peak of a finale that set Yenagoa ablaze with music, dance and inspirational banters from celebrities that trooped in from different parts of the country and beyond.

Among the celebrities were Nollywood star, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who Bayelsa State Governor, Serieke Dickson,  saluted in a dramatic way when the organisers gave her a recognition award.

He said, “Seeing you closely, I can now understand why you are called Omo Sexy.”

But the day primarily belonged to Banner, whose star prize is a brand new car. Sheer beauty also won her some other accompanying prizes that include an appointment  as a honorary special assistant to Dickson – on culture and tourism.

Awed by the elevation, the crowned teenager could not say much immediately.

“This is awesome,” she eventually said. “I am very glad. I feel overwhelmed with joy. Initially, I did not hear very clearly when the judges announced my name as the winner. I don’t really know what to say, I can only thank the almighty God for making this a reality.”

Now as a cultural ambassador for the Niger Delta state, Banner, who was Miss Bayelsa in the 26th edition at the MGBN, organised by Silverbird Group, intends to inspire youths into noble ideals which, she says, are what the entire country and African continent should pursue.

“I will do my best not to disappoint anyone. I have a passion for helping people, and this is the time for me to actualise this dream. I want to help people in the area of education and in creating inspiring youths to pursue their dreams without allowing any kind of distractions. One thing I am taking away from this pageant is that you will never know where you will be tomorrow,” she notes.

Other winners at the pageant are Miss Kano (Blessing Obi), who was named Miss Photogenic; Miss Akwa Ibom (Fontanne Bassey), as Miss Amity and Miss Ogun (Aderonke Tiamiyu) as Miss Charismatic. Banner was also named the best in traditional costume.