X-CHANGE

                                                             

         INTERVIEWS ... PERSONALITIES... CAUSE.

 

PEACE AND UNITY AND BEAUTY A COMPLEX MIX.
... an interview by Johnpaul Nnamdi

  

How does it feel being one of the top pageantry firm?

Ans: We feel really delighted and great because Face of Unity is here to create a difference in the pageantry world; we have fashioned out ways to take Face of Unity higher than other pageantry in and around the Plateau. Face of Unity has its own magazine with the past queen on the front cover.

How can you describe the concept/idea behind face of unity?

Ans: The idea behind Face of Unity was provoked due to the yearning for peace and unity on the Plateau in particular and Nigeria in general. It also to empowers the girl child and presents her as an ambassador for unity and peace on the plateau.

How has your idea enhanced unity on the Plateau?

Ans: the idea has so far helped in unity and peace building on the Plateau because Face of Unity pageant is a youth programme and since entertainment is a way and platform for peace building, Face of Unity brings people together irrespective of religion or tribe difference. We have devised this means to encourage and preach tolerance and unity. We normally have in attendance representatives from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’a tu nasiril islam (JNI) as guest and keynote speakers to educate the youths on religious tolerance and reasons not to be used as machineries for violence in the state.

 

How often do you hold your pageant?

Ans: We hold it yearly. But we also organize some other events that have to do with peace building.

So far what are your achievements? 

Ans: We can’t say we have really achieved much considering the target we have set and the masses we want to reach. We have held several pageantry shows on the Plateau and amazingly, we are gaining recognition and popularity. Also, many platforms for discussion amongst youths have been established through Face of Unity events. For this we thank God because we are moving from strength to strength and glory to glory.

How have your winners use their pet projects to enhance unity?

Ans: The winners of Face of Unity visits crisis affected areas in and around Jos and she organizes talk shows that involves mainly the Christian and Muslim youths in the community. It’s an avenue where youths get to speak their minds and provide solutions on how to curb recurring conflicts. This resolutions and communiqués are sent to the government on how to obtain lasting unity and peace on the Plateau.

What are your challenges?

Ans: Basically, just like other events, our greatest challenge is finance to facilitate our programmes. So individuals should join this cause in any way they can. We have limited companies that supports entertain in Plateau State, and this is a kind of bane for us because we use entertainment in promoting unity and peace building. Even the government in the state is not investing much into entertainment, so basically we just make do with what we have and we are beseeching on the government of Plateau State to invest more in entertainment because when there is entertainment, people will hardly think of or have time for violence. Jos is known as a hub of entertainment but right now we are left behind. Just as security is everybody’s business, we believe that unity is also everybody’s business.

 

What are your plans to take Face of Unity beyond plateau state?

Ans: We will say Face of Unity on the plateau is a baby that will soon grow up to be Face of Unity Nigeria. We urged the masses to co-operate with pro-peace firms and organizations and also keep their fingers crossed in expectation of a better Face of Unity that will unite Nigeria.

What should we be expecting next?

Ans: We just concluded the second edition of Face of Unity pageant 2012 on the Plateau and the magazine launch which was a success. A new queen emerged and very soon she will start her pet project which is tagged “mission for the less privilege” alongside other Face of Unity queens. Some other unity programs that will be coming up soon, but for now watch out for “mission for the less privilege”, because that is what we are working. Hopefully we will also be bringing Nigerian celebrities to perform at the event; the event is going to feature comedy, music, dance and speech etc. All orphanage homes in and outside Jos will be invited to the event to thrill and entertain the less privilege children.