Grade 8 student Styznique crowned Tufi festival queen

GRADE 8 student Styznique Okena is the 2020 Tufi Tapa Tattoo Cultural Festival queen.
Okena, 15, from Kabuni village in Tufi, was one of the three contestants on Sunday.
“I’m excited. It means a lot to me,” she said.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I would make it this far, I’m a little nervous.
“I thank everyone who participated in the festival and for promoting our culture.
“As a Tufian, I am proud of this festival and the initiative undertaking by the local MP Richard Masere.”
Okena, who had completed her grade 8 examinations, is waiting for her results and being crowned the festival queen is a big bonus.
“I will encourage other young women to promote our culture and preserve it for the future generations,” she said.
“I’m excited about winning this quest and the fact that my school fees will be paid in full.
“I can’t wait to tell my mum, who is a teacher and is away at another school.
“She was always concerned about my school fees.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of contestants this year was fewer compared to last year’s 12.
The festival 2019 queen, Scholastica Ikirima, was emotional about handing over the crown to Okena.
“It’s a sad thing to hand over the title,” Ikirima said.
“I looked after it like a baby, but since it’s a one-year position, I will hand it over.
“I hope she promotes Tufi culture,” she said.
Ikirima, who is a grade nine student at Martyrs Memorial Secondary School, was overwhelmed with the announcement by Masere for her sponsorship to continue on to 12.