It was an evening of culture, beauty, leadership and recognition as Panache Entertainment Global (PEG) Africa held the second edition of the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageant at Jacksville Event Centre, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

The colourful event brought together contestants, guests, community stakeholders and other dignitaries in a celebration that went beyond pageantry to highlight Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage and the potential of young people.

At the climax of the event, Queen Majesty Ottong emerged as the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen 2026/2027, beginning a new chapter of service and representation for the Heritage Queen platform.

A Crown With a Purpose

The Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen initiative reflects PEG Africa’s broader emphasis on empowerment, mentorship, humanitarian service, leadership, entrepreneurship and community development.

The organisation’s pageantry initiative has previously received recognition from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In January 2025, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Akpan, commended PEG Africa’s pageantry and empowerment programmes for helping young people develop skills and talents in areas including modelling, skills acquisition and empowerment. She also noted their alignment with the youth-development objectives of the state’s ARISE Agenda.

The Heritage Queen platform therefore represents more than the presentation of a crown. It provides an avenue through which young women can develop confidence, leadership capacity and a stronger sense of responsibility towards their communities.

For Queen Majesty Ottong, the 2026/2027 crown comes with an opportunity to use her position and visibility to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to society.

Celebrating Excellence and Service

Another important highlight of the second edition was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to individuals recognised for their contributions and positive impact in society.

The awards reinforced one of the central messages of the evening: meaningful achievement should not only be celebrated for personal success, but also for the difference it makes in the lives of others.

The combination of pageantry, recognition and community-oriented activities gave the occasion a distinctive identity, one centred on celebrating heritage while encouraging a new generation of socially conscious leaders.

Building on the Success of the Maiden Edition

The 2026 event builds on the foundation established by the maiden Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageant.

Following the earlier edition, the Heritage Queen delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. During that engagement, the organisation was described as a tourism pageantry group, while the then Heritage Queen, Queen (Barr.) Christiana Ukeme, outlined plans for a free culinary training programme for young women.

The Ministry also expressed willingness to collaborate with the initiative in ways that could complement Akwa Ibom State's tourism development.

That history provides important context for the second edition: the Heritage Queen platform is developing around the idea that a title holder can use her reign to pursue projects with tangible social value.

Princess Emem Essien and the Vision Behind PEG Africa

At the heart of the initiative is Princess Emem Priscilla Essien, founder/progenitor of Panache Entertainment Global (PEG) Africa.

Published reporting describes Princess Essien as a UK-based, Akwa Ibom-born entrepreneur and notes her involvement in giving back to society as well as public service as a councillor in the United Kingdom.

Through PEG Africa, that vision is being expressed through initiatives centred on young people, empowerment, mentorship, humanitarian service and opportunities for personal and community development.

The Heritage Queen platform is particularly significant because it connects culture with leadership. Rather than treating heritage merely as something to display, the initiative encourages participants to see culture as something that can inspire service, enterprise, tourism and community advancement.

A New Reign Begins

As Queen Majesty Ottong begins her reign as Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen 2026/2027, expectations now turn toward the projects, advocacy and community initiatives that will define her tenure.

Her emergence represents both an achievement and a responsibility: to wear the crown as an ambassador of Akwa Ibom's heritage while using the platform to encourage leadership, empowerment and positive social impact.

For PEG Africa, the successful second edition also represents another step in building a sustainable platform where heritage, beauty, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service meet.

Congratulations to Queen Majesty Ottong, Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen 2026/2027, all participating contestants, the recipients of the Awards of Excellence, organisers, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

PEG Africa; Empowering People. Developing Leaders. Celebrating Heritage. Transforming Communities.