The good works of popular activist, Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye, in the society are beginning to be recognised by many.
On Saturday, June 25, 2016, the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State graduate was announced as the 2016 Christian Woman in Media Award at the Wise Women Awards.
Just when she was still basking in the euphoria of the honour, another has been added.
This time, she was given the ‘Young Person of the Year Award’ at the Miss Tourism Nigeria beauty pageant held in Lagos on Saturday, July 9, 2016.
The award, which was introduced last year to the event, is aimed at recognizing the effort of an outstanding youth and change agent in the last one year.
Speaking on the award, President of the Miss Tourism Nigeria, Santiago Roberts said, “We are presenting you this award for your immense contribution to Lagos State as well as lending voice and pushing the boundaries towards young people’s better living conditions and supporting women.
“We believe that much could be gained from your wealth of experience and pool of knowledge.”
In her remarks, an elated Esther said, “Big thanks to the organisers of the Miss Tourism Nigeria Pageant for honouring me with the ‘Young Person of the Year’ award.”
Speaking further, she said, “Thanks for recognizing my work and counting me worthy of such honour.
“It means a lot to me that my work at Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, the umbrella organisation for several life touching projects such as Walk Against R@pe, Women of Rubies, Project Capable, Rubies Ink Media and the College Acquaintance R@pe Education Workshop, is being recognized.
“This is dedicated to every selfless young woman out there doing something positive and making an impact, keep pushing and don’t give up.
“When I started out in 2009, I just wanted to make a difference and touch lives, to wake up every day knowing I’m a solution to someone’s problem, this has been my motivating factor and I thank God my effort so far isn’t going unrecognized. Once again this is a challenge to do more. Thank you.”
According to what Aproko247 gathered, the winner of the beauty contest will work closely with Esther’s organization throughout the year on several pet projects as it relates to women and children.
Miss Tourism Nigeria (World) is an international franchise of the Miss Tourism World Organization; an annual tourism pageant showcasing over 70 countries.
