On January 26, 2019, Meghan Nimwiza was crowned Miss Rwanda 2019, replacing Lilliane Iradukunda. One month after she was crowned, on February 26, Meghan attended the 2019 Tour du Rwanda that will be remembered as one in which Rwandan riders reaped little apart from good cycling lessons. Nimwiza was among the millions of spectators across the country who lined the streets to welcome the riders and enjoy the race, billed as the biggest on the continent. She watched the third round where cyclists rode from Huye district to Rubavu. This was the first event that she has attended since she was crowned Miss Rwanda 2019 at Intare Conference Arena in Gasabo district. Speaking to the press, Nimwiza said that she was happy to have attended the Tour du Rwanda and that it was exciting to watch the cyclists. “I am really happy to have watched the sport live for the first time. I have been following Tour du Rwanda on television. I love the sport because it involves a lot of determination from the participants and attracts a lot of people from all over the world. I’m behind all the Rwandans in the Tour du Rwanda but most especially I’m a fan of Areruya Joseph from Team Delko of Marseille province in France,” she said. Nimwiza will serve as the Cogebanque Brand Ambassador for one year. She received a brand new car, a Suzuki Swift, and will also receive a monthly stipend of Rwf 800,000, among other perks. Cogebanque, an esteemed sponsor of the Tour du Rwanda, said it is time for the business community and the public to enjoy its products. “The rally is going well and the Rwandan community is participating more than we have ever seen. As sponsors this is really encouraging because people are getting to know our products,” Antoine IYAMUREMYE, Cogebanque Head of Marketing, said. For many years Cogebanque has been involved in many development activities that improve the wellbeing of Rwandans and has also helped develop sports in the country. The bank has been hailed for support extended towards the promotion of tennis in Rwanda. It is also a major sponsor of local cycling competitions and Tour du Rwanda and sponsors the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant. Tour du Rwanda was an opportunity for us to remind Rwandans that it is possible to grow financially with Cogebanque through savings. Rwandans without accounts should come to bank with us. Apart from ‘ITEZIMBERE’, we also have ‘TEGANYA’ (Your lucrative Monthly saving plan) account which can be opened for new or existing clients who can receive up to 5% profit for saved money. Whoever opened these accounts during Tour du Rwanda received splendid prizes,” said IYAMUREMYE. Cogebanque has built credibility for sponsoring social events like the beauty pageant, cycling and other sports events including Cogebanque Tennis Open.
