Odemba to Back Green Revolution Drive
Daily News; Monday,November 24, 2008 @21:15
Tanzanian model Miriam Odemba (25), who finished second in the Miss Earth 2008 pageant held in Manila, Philippines recently returned home jubilantly yesterday. On arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Odemba was received by a colourful brief ceremony led by trumpeters, who temporarily brought normal activities at the airport to a standstill.
Odemba promised to use her crown to inspire the country’s green revolution campaigns by planting at least 20,000 trees countrywide. “I will work closely with students across the country to fulfil that mission. As Miss Earth Air I was directed by the event organisers to help on the environment campaigns in a bid to make the world a better place to live,” she said.
"I am very happy for this milestone achievement. I’m proud and happy for all Tanzanians, who supported me to have finished as the first runner-up," she said. Her mother, Margret Odemba, was at hand to accord her daughter a joyous ‘Karibu’. She said: “Miriam has done us proud. We need to support her in her endeavours. As a human being she slipped off here and there but I believe Miriam is now a matured girl and settled.”
It was the first time that Tanzania finished in the top three positions in one of the most prestigious global beauty pageants. Her victory breaks an eight-year barren spell for Africa, which last made a significant impact in the contest in 2002 when Kenyan Winfred Omwakwe won the crown in Manila. Since 2002, most models from the continent performed poorly at the show. But in 2005, another Tanzanian, Rehema Sudi, was placed as a top semifinalist.
Compass Communications Director Maria Sarungi said she would supervise Odemba’s activities while looking for other contract with the agencies. Miss Philippines Karla Henry, 22, won the Miss Earth event, with Miss Mexico Abigail Elizalde, Miss Brazil Tatiane Alves, finishing third and fourth, respectively. Odemba is one of the best models in the country. She started her modelling career at an early age and emerged into the limelight in 1997 when she won the Miss Temeke title.
Reference: http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/sports/?id=8626
