The winners of the 2025 edition of Mama Hogbe Cultural Pageant have paid a courtesy call on two prominent chiefs in Anlo, in a gesture aimed at deepening their engagement with traditional authority and affirming their role as cultural ambassadors.
They were, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo State, and Togbi Zewu IV, Dufia of Anloga, both from the Anlo Dukor Council.
The visit, held at the Awadada’s palace, formed part of the queens’ post-pageant obligations to demonstrate respect for leadership and strengthen collaboration between the youth and custodians of Anlo heritage.
Togbi Agbesi Awusu II commended the delegation for their discipline, composure, and commitment to cultural preservation displayed throughout the pageant.
He applauded the organisers for sustaining an initiative that promotes dignity, womanhood, and development within the Anlo State over the period and called on them to keep upholding Anlo-Ewe dignity, discipline and womanhood in every activity they embark on in the process of the organisation as he advised the winners to do same
“This pageant has become a platform that showcases the strength and elegance of our young women,” the Awadada said. “I encourage you to carry the values of Anlo wherever you go and continue to serve as ambassadors of discipline, culture, and progress.”
The winners expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders for the warm reception and pledged to use their respective platforms to promote unity, cultural pride, and community-focused development across the Anlo State.
Miss Enyonam Ahiabor, a 27-year-old teacher by profession from Afife, emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 edition. The first runner-up position went to 23-year-old Grace Elikplim Agbetsi, a native of Vui-Keta and a student of Medical Laboratory Science at Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences-Tema.
Other runners-up were Newlove Kekeli Ahiatrogah a 28years old graduate of University of Education, Winneba and Sarah Sedem Nanewortor, a language student at the University of Education, Ajumako.
Other finalists included Perfect Dzifa Dogbey from Agbozume, Sarah Makafui Ahiabu from Dzodze, and Bless Yram Ahiabu also from Agbozume.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Miss Enyonam Ahiabor (Winner) described the visit as an honour and an opportunity for the queens to reaffirm their commitment to positive youth influence.
“We are inspired by the words of our leaders,” she said. “We will uphold the dignity of Anlo, promote the values of our culture, and use our voices to influence our fellow youth positively.”
Togbi Zewu II, urged the organisers to embrace cultural diversity and accept public criticisms to make the event more attractive and one of the best in the country.
He also cautioned the winners to be mindful of their behaviour and character in public going forward, saying, “You are now the face of our culture. Whatever you do will be judged by the public. Do not involve yourselves in anything that will bring disrepute to your names or to Anlo, such acts will come with sanctions, “ Togbi Zewu cautioned.
The courtesy call marks the beginning of a series of engagements lined up for the queens as part of their year-long mandate to champion social impact initiatives within the Anlo State.
Members of the organising team that led the queens included Mr Jonathan Kofi Kumordzie, Madam Enyonam Jennifer Galley, and Mr Gameli Adikah.
Mama Hogbe, an official event of the annual Hogbetsotso Za, is a cultural pageant designed to identify and nurture talented young Anlo women. The platform provides contestants with guidance, grooming, and leadership development, preparing them to serve as cultural ambassadors for the Anlo State.
Contestants are assessed based on their knowledge of Anlo-Ewe culture, discipline, character, stagecraft, and the outcome of public voting, ensuring a well-rounded and culturally grounded selection process.
Winners are subsequently required to initiate and implement community-focused, problem-solving projects that support social development across Anloland.
GNA
