WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT NEURITIS MENDES, MISS AFRICA 2016

It is no longer news that Angolan beauty Neurite Mendes,  emerged winner of the maiden edition of Miss Africa 2016, taking home a cash reward of $25,000 and a new Ford Escape car, nor that she has become the first Miss Africa Climate Change Ambassador.

Dr. Linda Ayade, Wife of the Cross River State Governor, crowning winner of the maiden Miss Africa beauty pageant, Angola’s Neurite Mendes

Mendes is no stranger to the spotlight as she has for some time now, been a presenter at VIP access every Wednesday at 18:30 (Luanda) 19:30 (Maputo), Miss Angola South Africa 2013

A model and International Relations student, she stated in past interviews that her passion has always been for the fashion world and the interconnection between Africa and the rest of the world.

The event made box office record with over 365 million people watching it on television however, despite the pomp and finesse, we must not loose sight of the reason behind the pageant; the need for Africans to go beyond culture and tourism by deepening their knowledge of science and technology.

His words: “This Africa beauty pageant is a journey to climate change which today is a big challenge globally. That is why Cross River State people knowing full well that we hold 58 percent of the entire forest map of Nigeria and by extension Africa, made the choice of the theme which is, “Green economy, a tool for sustainable development” for the world to know that Africa generates less emissions yet bears the brunt of industrialization.”

Congratulations Neurite, you deserve it.

Agbani Darego's (Miss World 2001) Father, Chief Asenite Darego Buried

Late chief Asenite Sikibo Darego died at the Meridian Hospital, D/line Port-Harcourt (and not in London as earlier broadcast by a lot of media houses) and was buried on the 24th of March 2012 in his hometown,  Abonnema in Rivers state.

A highly decorated Customs officer before his retirement, he was not just known for his part in the birthing of the first ever African Miss World, Agbani Darego 2001 but was honoured in  1979 by being awarded the "First Class of the Federal Republic Medal" for his part in foiling a smuggling attempt of jewelry from Nigeria.

Family Life


Chief has been described by different members of his extended family as a father. when asked to expatiate he was described as someone never too busy to listen and always willing to lend a helping hand.

A Traditional Burial


According to Chief Ibifri Briggs, from the Briggs compound.who gave us a run down on what to expect on such an occasion.

There are four major family compounds that make up the town. Bob - Manuel (Owukori), Briggs (Oruwari), Georgewill (Otagi) and Jack (Iju). The Darego Family belong to the Jack compound.

Due to his status as a Chief, a boat regatta is displayed by representatives of all four compounds, this is done as a mark of respect.

The Darego females. Notice Agbani as the slimmest and tallest of the lot. 

The pall bearers dancing in celebration of a life well spent as they carry the corpse.

The Amayanabo (King) of Abonnema

The body is first received by the kins men at the palace, this is the palace of His Royal Highness D'isreal Bobo Bobmanuel the 2nd - The Amayanabo of Abonnema via a procession of chiefs and members of the  Darego family. 

Ms Beauty Ebenezer, a family friend of the Darego family and former colleague of the late chief gave us an insight as to the change of clothes of the family members.

She explained that the beads are worn during ceremonies; marriage, burial etc. when it comes to burial especially when it comes to viewing the corpse, any body dressed in heavy beads are directly related to the dead person. In Chiefs case his brother and sisters' children and close cousins must be dressed in the beads, his children will come in last.

It is customary that close members of family of the deceased are dressed richly as a mark of honour and a celebration of a life well spent. 

Agbani Darego (Miss World 2001) and one of her sisters in full traditional costume