Eucharia Dibang Emerges Winner of 10th Face of Independence Nigeria Pageant
— A Decade of Beauty, Purpose, and Patriotism Celebrated in Grand Style at Eko Hotels & Suites
The grandeur of Nigerian pageantry reached new heights on Saturday night as Eucharia Dibang emerged winner of the 10th edition of the Face of Independence Nigeria Beauty Pageant, held on the 11th of October at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed “A Decade of Beauty, Purpose, and Patriotism,” marked a remarkable milestone in the celebration of grace, resilience, and national pride.
The Executive Producer and Convener of the pageant, Barr. Cathrine Oloidi, expressed deep gratitude for what she described as a “humbling and fulfilling moment.” Reflecting on the decade-long journey, she said, “Reaching the 10th edition is a true testimony of grace, resilience, and consistency. The journey has not been without challenges, but each edition reminds us why we started to celebrate beauty with purpose and inspire national pride among young Nigerians.”
Speaking further, Oloidi explained that her inspiration for the platform stemmed from a desire to celebrate beauty intertwined with patriotism. “The inspiration came from creating a platform that not only celebrates beauty but also embodies the true spirit of independence, courage, unity, and purpose. We wanted to build a movement that empowers young people to become ambassadors of national values and agents of positive change,” she said.
According to her, the Face of Independence Pageant was originally conceived to promote patriotism and youth development through pageantry, a vision that has since evolved into a broader platform for empowerment and education. “Our philosophy has always been ‘Beauty with a Purpose and Patriotism.’ The pageant goes beyond physical appearance — it’s about character, intellect, compassion, and social responsibility. Every queen crowned represents hope, unity, and service to the nation,” she affirmed.
Over the years, the platform has championed several humanitarian causes, including girl-child education, Voices Against Sexual Harassment (VASH), the Foot a Child initiative, environmental sustainability projects, youth entrepreneurship, and health awareness campaigns across six states in Nigeria. Oloidi noted that the initiative has empowered numerous young men and women through skill acquisition and community development programs.
Addressing the perennial issue of funding, she admitted that sponsorship remains a challenge but credited the team’s passion, commitment, and strong stakeholder partnerships for sustaining the initiative. “Funding and sponsorship have always been major challenges, as with many creative and social projects in Nigeria. However, the passion and teamwork of our partners have kept us going,” she noted.
From its humble beginnings in Calabar, the Face of Independence Pageant has grown into a national brand attracting contestants from across Nigeria and beyond. Its media collaborations with Hip TV, Africa Travel Times, and other notable outlets have expanded its reach, while partnerships with brands such as Darling Hair, K&B Placement, Cardo Apartments, Ultimate Caring Hands Agency, Sureworld Ventures, and Legal Experts have strengthened its sustainability.
The event’s highlights included a vibrant display of culture and creativity — from traditional costumes and talent showcases to the crowning ceremony and the prestigious Face of Independence Hero’s Award, honoring Nigerians who have made significant social impact. This year’s edition also featured a documentary screening, appreciation awards, and a reunion parade of past queens and partners who have contributed to the pageant’s decade-long success story.
Oloidi emphasized that the growth of the initiative has been both inspiring and transformative. “We provide a platform that helps young people discover their potential, build confidence, and use their influence for social good. Beyond beauty, we focus on leadership, education, and personal development. Our queens have become advocates, entrepreneurs, and influencers driving social change,” she stated.
Winners of the pageant, including the newly crowned Eucharis Legends, receive mentorship, brand endorsements, and opportunities to work on impactful projects, gaining both media visibility and valuable life skills. “Even contestants who don’t win often go on to excel in business, entertainment, and community leadership. That’s the real success story,” Oloidi remarked.
Looking ahead, she revealed ambitious plans for the next phase of the Face of Independence brand, including expanding its reach across Africa, launching the Face of Independence Foundation, and establishing a digital mentorship platform connecting past queens with emerging leaders.
In her closing remarks, Barr. Oloidi extended heartfelt appreciation to supporters and aspiring contestants. “To our aspiring contestants: believe in your dreams and never underestimate your potential. The Face of Independence is not just about wearing a crown; it’s about making an impact. To our supporters: thank you for a decade of love and trust. We will continue to inspire, empower, and promote the true spirit of Nigeria through this platform.”
The 10th edition of the Face of Independence Nigeria Pageant was indeed a night of elegance, celebration, and reflection a testament to a decade of beauty, purpose, and patriotism that continues to redefine pageantry in Nigeria.