Project Corner Stone (PCS) Campaign with Fondcup 2022/’23 maidens in Edo State, Nigeria

With an approval from the Ministry of Education, FONDCUP visited some secondary schools in Benin city
for Project Corner Stone, (PCS) for School and Street Teens Enlightenment Campaign on the 27th of
January, 2023.

This campaign was carried out by the nine (9) maidens competing for the Face of Niger Delta Cultural Pageant Queen 2022/’23 position, not just as part of their task, but mostly to reach out to the younger
generation, to empower and enlighten them not only with words, but with Ethel Women Initiative published handbooks containing different topics, that would be of huge guidance to the teenagers.

The booklet’s content was put together by the maidens and their Publicist. With 10 chapters in total,
they took turns to pick the topic that resonates with them the most.
Miss Abia, Agbai Elizabeth Chinomnso, wrote on the Effects of Bullying.
Miss Akwa-Ibom, Imoh Precious Iniobong wrote on The Acts of Kindness.
Miss Bayelsa, Funfeyin Oyindenyefa Petra, wrote on Fun Facts about the Niger Delta region.
Miss Cross River, Esther Essien Ukpong chose to write on the Effects of Peer Pressure.
Miss Delta, Igbomeru Faithful Orunor, wrote on Effects of Cultism.
Miss Edo, Freeborn Miracle, chose to write on the Importance of Education.
Miss Imo, Esinulo Sharon, wrote on Dangers of Drug Abuse.
Miss Ondo, Olaboade Racheal, wrote on Molestation
And finally, Miss Rivers, Ibitoru Ibelema wrote on the Importance of Hygiene for Boys and Girls.
While the publicist, Oruh Jane, wrote on The Outstanding Kids of the Niger Delta Region.

The campaigning process was identical for all the schools. First, the Initiator of Ethel Women Initiative
and Curator of FONDCUP introduced the brand and her nine (9) maidens to the students, all of whom sat and stared in awe as the Curator of FONDCUP in person of Miss Elizabeth Era introduced the brand and it’s purpose. “We are not just beautiful maidens from the Niger Delta Region, we are queens because we preach kindness, peace and unity among our people with our position.

“I studied in Akwa-Ibom State even though I am from Edo state, and I have been opportune to travel round the Niger Delta Region and some parts of the country, We are intelligent and hardworking people, and that is what makes us unique and beautiful.“

Afterwards, the booklets were distributed to the students by the maidens, the staff and school teachers were also given a copy of the booklet each. As they flipped through the pages, Miss Elizabeth encouraged them to take heed of the message inside the booklet. “… don’t just throw the book inside your school bags, read it please. Readers are Leaders. You will learn a lot from our booklet and if you have any questions for us, you can reach us through the numbers on the booklet. Never feel we are too busy to respond to you. Some of you are in homes where you cannot talk to the adults, bad guidance can lead to certain mistakes. We have been visiting schools since 2016, it is part of what we do, we are here for you.“

At the request of the students, the maidens happily posed for pictures with the students and even the
teachers. The teachers expressed their gratitude towards the good works of the maidens, wishing them
well in their competition and beyond.

Finally, the maidens encouraged the female students to become more graceful and elegant like them.
They also invited the female students to join the Pageant but only when they get to the age of 18.
“…other than the grand prize and the wonderful privileges, the experience of being a maiden of FONDCUP is something you cannot buy in the market”

The schools visited were Asaro Grammar School at Ekenwan road in Egor Local Government Area, St.
Maria Gorreti Girls Grammar School, (SMGGGS) at Upper Sapkonba area and Western Boys High School,
Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.