By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has officially sent forth Miss Nigeria, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as the country’s representative to the 73rd Miss World Pageant scheduled to hold on September 5 in Vietnam.
The send-forth ceremony, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, attracted senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, development partners, corporate leaders, former beauty queens and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the Miss World platform as more than a beauty contest, saying it offers Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its culture, creativity, leadership and the potential of its young women on the global stage.
She said Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George would serve as Nigeria’s cultural ambassador, carrying the aspirations of millions of young girls while projecting a positive image of the country before representatives from over 130 nations.
The minister noted that the pageant’s 2026 edition marks the 75th anniversary of Miss World and aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote youth development, women’s leadership, cultural diplomacy and nation branding under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim assured the Nigerian representative of the Federal Government’s institutional support throughout the competition and urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rally behind her.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, described the occasion as a proud national moment and expressed confidence that the Nigerian representative would excel at the international pageant.
She recalled Nigeria’s history of success in global beauty competitions and expressed optimism that Queen Karibi-George would bring honour to the country.
In her remarks, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George thanked the Federal Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Miss Nigeria Organization, her family and supporters for the opportunity to represent the country.
She pledged to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, resilience and values while striving to make the nation proud at the global competition.
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss World Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, formally presented the beauty queen to the Federal Government, describing her as intelligent, compassionate and purpose-driven.
Also speaking, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, urged the Nigerian representative to inspire others through service and leadership, noting that lasting impact would be a greater achievement than winning the crown.
The ceremony ended with prayers and pledges of support from participants, who expressed confidence that Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George would represent Nigeria with distinction at the Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
