By HAFSAH TILDE

The Federal Government has rallied support for Miss Nigeria, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as the country’s official representative to the 75th Miss World pageant scheduled to hold in Vietnam on Sept. 5.

Speaking at a send-forth reception in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the global pageant as a platform promoting 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.

The minister said Nigeria’s participation alongside contestants from about 130 countries offered an opportunity to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its creative economy and project the resilience of Nigerian women.

“This is cultural diplomacy at its finest, and it sits squarely within the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim assured that the ministry would provide full institutional support for Karibi-George throughout the competition, covering her preparation, travel arrangements and welfare during the international event.

“From her preparation, to her travel, to her welfare throughout the competition, she will not be left to carry this alone,” she said.

She urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support the country’s representative, saying her participation provided a unique opportunity to tell 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, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, expressed confidence that Nigeria could reclaim the Miss World crown through sustained commitment and structured preparation.

She said Nigerian women had taken ownership of grooming the country’s representatives through a structured national process, unlike before 1995 when the responsibility rested with government institutions.

Recalling Nigeria’s achievements at the global pageant, Asanye cited Helen Prest-Ajayi, Miss Nigeria 1979, and Agbani Darego, who became 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.

Responding, Karibi-George expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her and pledged 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 optimism that Nigeria would once again emerge victorious at the competition and return home with the coveted 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 hold on Sept. 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, with contestants expected from about 130 countries. (NAN)

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