Brendan Nsikak, the Nigerian show promoter, has commended Chidinma Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Usifo Ataga, the late Super TV CEO, over her participation in a beauty contest.
Ojukwu was crowned ‘Miss Cell 2022’ at a recent beauty pageant organised by the Kirikiri correctional facility.
Rotimi Oladokun, the spokesperson for Lagos command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), had said the event was to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).
But Ojukwu’s participation in the contest had elicited a wave of backlash among Nigerians on social media platforms.
The 300-level student of mass communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is standing trial in Ataga’s murder case alongside Chioma Egbuchu, her sister, and Adedapo Quadri.
But in an interview with NAN on Friday, Nsikak, who is the promoter of Mr and Miss Nigeria International (MMNI), said there was nothing wrong with the initiative.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of Brendance and Crusader Ltd also said the pageantry was part of social activities to keep the inmates in sound mind and good spirit.
He also hailed Ojukwu for garnering the courage to take part in the beauty contest despite her ongoing trial at the court.
“The Nigerian Correctional Services is living up to their responsibilities and being proactive by putting up such events and other programmes meant to keep inmates warm and make the environment lively,” he said.
“Everyone is aware that Chidinma, the prime suspect in the ongoing trial of murder case of Ataga is still under prison custody and has not been convicted or found guilty.
“I commend the initiative and salute the courage of the participants, and to the ‘ Miss Cell 2022’, let her live her life until the judgment is served and passed on her.”
The entrepreneur added that while inmates are being encouraged in skills acquisitions, education and creativity, those who have flare for pageantry or entertainment should also be given a platform to showcase their potential.
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