Women Affairs Minister Sends Off Miss Nigeria to 2026 Miss World Pageant, Urges National Support
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, Aug. 5, 2026 — The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has officially presented and sent forth Miss Nigeria 2026,
KTamunosoye Karibi-George, as Nigeria’s representative to the 2026 Miss World Pageant, describing her participation as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy, women’s leadership and national pride.
Speaking at a send-forth reception held on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Minister said Miss Karibi-George would carry Nigeria’s flag with “grace, intelligence and pride” as she joins 129 other contestants at the 75th edition of the Miss World Pageant scheduled to hold in Vietnam.
According to the Minister, the global competition has evolved beyond beauty into a respected platform that promotes leadership, purpose, social impact and gender equality.
She noted that Nigeria’s participation offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant creative economy and the achievements of Nigerian women before an international audience.
“This is about far more than a crown,” she said. “It is an opportunity to present the richness of our cultural heritage to the world, strengthen Nigeria’s international image, and showcase the talent, intelligence and ambition of the Nigerian woman.”
The Minister described the event as an important aspect of cultural diplomacy that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth development, women’s empowerment and projecting a confident and capable Nigeria on the global stage.
She stressed that Miss Nigeria would serve as a cultural ambassador carrying the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls.
“When this young woman walks onto that stage, she does not walk alone. She carries the story of a nation and the hopes of millions of girls who will believe that they too can achieve greatness,” she said.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development would provide full institutional support to ensure the country’s representative enjoys a smooth, dignified and successful participation throughout the competition.
She also commended the Miss Nigeria Organisation, partner institutions and collaborating government ministries for working together to project a positive image of Nigeria internationally.
Calling for nationwide support, the Minister urged Nigerians to rally behind Miss Karibi-George through prayers and encouragement as she competes on one of the world’s biggest international stages.
She added that regardless of the competition’s outcome, Miss Nigeria had already achieved a significant milestone by earning the opportunity to tell Nigeria’s story to the world.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Minister wished Miss Nigeria success in Vietnam and expressed confidence that she would make the country proud at the landmark 75th Miss World Pageant.
