By KELU MUSA

The winner of the 2026 Miss Naija beauty pageant will go home with a brand new car, a N5 million cash prize and endorsement opportunities.

The organisers made the announcement at the unveiling of this year’s edition on Saturday in Abuja, to Mark the commencement of activities for this year’s competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2026 edition is themed “The Bold and the Beautiful”.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Convener and Founder, Mr Samaila Ogwuche, said the the grand finale is scheduled for Oct. 24, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Ogwuche said the pageant had evolved beyond a beauty contest into a platform for empowering young women through leadership, entrepreneurship and community service.

“Miss Naija is no longer just a beauty pageant; it is a national platform for discovering and developing young women who will become leaders, entrepreneurs, cultural ambassadors and agents of positive change,” he said.

He said the pageant would incorporate indigenous attire, languages and local cuisines to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and encourage domestic tourism.

The founder said regional auditions would hold in Lagos on Aug. 22, Port Harcourt on Aug. 29 and Abuja on Sept. 5, with successful contestants advancing to the national camp.

According to him, successful contestants from the regional auditions would proceed to the national camp in Abuja, where 37 finalists would compete for the crown.

Miss Teesha Ogeriya was presented as the National Director and Project Manager for the 2026 edition.

Ogeriya pledged to ensure a transparent process, adding that contestants would receive training in leadership, entrepreneurship, public speaking, etiquette and media engagement.

She said the competition would prepare participants to serve as ambassadors for Nigeria at national and international levels.

Ogeruya called on government institutions, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative as part of efforts to promote women’s empowerment, tourism and the creative economy.

Registration for contestants from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory opened at the unveiling. (NAN)

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