17/04/2026
Okpambe 2026: Iyamoyong-Born UNICAL Student, Ebey Blessing Emerges Winner of Moninkim Maiden Contest
A 300-level Sociology student of the University of Calabar, Miss Ebey Blessing, has emerged winner of the prestigious Moninkim Maiden Contest held as part of activities marking the 2026 Okpambe Cultural and Fishing Festival in Yala Nkum, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Blessing, who hails from Iyamoyong village in Okum Clan, was crowned queen after a keenly contested event that attracted participants from across Obubra and neighbouring local government areas, highlighting the growing inclusiveness and cultural relevance of the festival.
Born on April 25, 2000, in Iyamoyong, the young queen began her educational journey at St. Patrick Primary School, Iyamoyong, and later attended St. Franklin Model College, Ochon, before gaining admission into the University of Calabar, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology.
Speaking shortly after her emergence, the Moninkim Queen described her victory as a defining moment in her life, noting that it was her first time participating in such a contest.
“It is a wonderful moment for me. This is my first attempt at any contest, and I am grateful to have emerged victorious. It encourages me to aim higher and embrace greater opportunities ahead,” she said.
She went further to dispel the notion that the contest and festival are exclusive to the Yala people, emphasizing that the event is open to all, with participants drawn from various communities within and beyond Obubra.
The queen therefore called on stakeholders of Obubra to support and invest in the festival, describing it as a platform with immense potential to boost tourism, promote food security, create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
In his congratulatory message, the Director of the festival and Chief Executive Officer of Coneri Nigeria, Comr. Amb. Eriacy Confidence, commended Blessing for her confidence, intelligence, and outstanding performance throughout the contest, urging her to uphold the values and lessons acquired during the camping period.
He noted that her emergence reflects the core values of the Moninkim tradition, which celebrates beauty, cultural pride, and the empowerment of young women, and assured that the organisation would continue to invest in areas geared towards improving and sustaining the platform.
Alongside the fish catch competition and wrestling championship, the Moninkim Maiden Contest remains one of the major highlights of the festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people while promoting unity, tourism, and youth development in Obubra and beyond.
