The federal government has thrown its weight behind Miss Nigeria, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as she gets ready for the 75th Miss World pageant. The event will take place in Vietnam on 5 September.
At a send-off event in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the pageant is a chance to promote leadership, purpose, and social impact.
"It is my honour to present and send forth Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Miss Nigeria, as the official representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Miss World Pageant 2026.
"She will carry our flag onto one of the most visible stages in the world, and she will carry it with grace, intelligence and pride," she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim mentioned that Nigeria’s participation, alongside contestants from about 130 countries, is a chance to show off the nation’s cultural heritage. She added that it also promotes Nigeria’s creative economy and highlights the strength of Nigerian women.
"This is cultural diplomacy at its finest, and it sits squarely within the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu," she explained.
The minister promised that the ministry would fully support Karibi-George during the competition. This includes help with her preparation, travel plans, and well-being throughout the international event.
"From her preparation to her travel and welfare throughout the competition, she will not be left to carry this alone," she stated.
She called on Nigerians at home and abroad to support the country’s representative. She said this is a unique chance to share Nigeria’s story on a global stage.
"Whether she wins or places, she has already achieved something of real significance. She has earned the right to tell Nigeria’s story to the world," the minister added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Esuabana Asanye, expressed confidence that Nigeria could win the Miss World crown again with consistent effort and proper planning.
She noted that Nigerian women have taken charge of preparing the country’s representatives through a well-organized national process. This is different from before 1995 when the government handled it.
Remembering Nigeria’s past successes, Mrs Asanye mentioned Helen Prest-Ajayi, Miss Nigeria 1979, and Agbani Darego, who was the first Black African woman to win the title.
"It has happened before and it will happen again. We are very certain that the crown will come back to Nigeria," she said.
In her response, Ms Karibi-George thanked everyone for their support. She promised to represent Nigeria with dignity while showcasing the country’s rich culture and heritage.
"My heart is full of joy and gratitude. I am honoured to represent the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the Nigerian people," she said.
She expressed hope that Nigeria would once again come out victorious at the competition and bring home the Miss World crown.
"My deepest prayer is that what happened 25 years ago will happen again on Sept. 5," she said.
NAN reports that the grand finale of the 75th Miss World pageant will be held on 5 September in Nha Trang, Vietnam, with contestants from about 130 countries expected to participate.
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