A FARMER defied all odds to be crowned the Vodafone Hibiscus King 2017 last night.
Beniyamino Vakadranu, 23, who was sponsored by Lamasi, did not shy away from sharing his story after his crowning last night.
The Buca, Vanua Levu native said he came across the festival while searching for better education in the city.
“You are looking at a farmer, a person who came from the village. I came here to search for opportunities, for better education and Hibiscus came along and here I am, wearing a crown,” Mr Vakadranu said.
Speaking after his crowning last night, he thanked his sponsor and the people of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands for their support.
His sponsor, Lamasi, is a clothing business in Vanuatu. The business first began as an importer of artifacts and gifts from the Solomon Islands.
“Secondly, I’d like to thank my family and all my fellow contestants and brothers. We are all winners tonight.”
Mr Vakadranu also urged young people to follow their heart.
Mr Vakadranu also won himself a Fiji Airways trip to Australia or New Zealand with pocket money.
The first runner-up was won by Mr Lei Entertainers, Ritchie Denzel Stuart, and second runner-up was Mr Tech 360, Manoa Qaravatu.
They both won hotel accommodation and pocket money compliments of the Pearl Resort.
Thirteen King contestants participated in the week-long event.
