Search for the Next Miss Nigeria 2024 Begins

The highly anticipated 45th edition of Miss Nigeria has officially kicked off, with 33 contestants representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones unveiled during the sashing ceremony held in Lagos. The exercise celebrates the beauty, culture, and social impact of Nigerian women.

Scheduled to climax on December 19, 2024, when the grand finale would crown the new Miss Nigeria, according to Rita Dominic, owner of Audrey Silva Company (TASC) and new organiser of the pageant, the event would mark a transformative moment in the history of the competition.

Themed ‘Beyond Beauty: Reigning Together as Queens,’ this year’s pageant goes beyond traditional ideals of beauty to promote unity, diversity, and empowerment.

For the first time, contestants from all corners of Nigeria, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds, are participating to showcase the nation’s vibrant heritage. Miss Nigeria 2024 is not just a beauty contest but a movement aimed at fostering national unity and empowering women with a platform to share their strength, intelligence, and cultural pride.

Dominic explained this vision: “We want to inspire unity. Regardless of where you are from, it is possible to embrace one another. We are united, and we have to show that.”

She revealed that the rigorous selection process was based on beauty, intelligence, and grace, emphasising that the pageant celebrates beauty beyond physical appearance.

The contestants will undergo a two-week camping experience filled with mentorship, training, and immersive activities.

Former Miss Nigeria and board member, Wunmi Ogunbiyi, shared words of encouragement: “Your inner confidence and principles are what will carry you through. Stay real and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Ogunbiyi, reflecting on her reign in the 1980s, recalled: “The reign was good but you should always think of the day after the reign. I remember the day after I crowned the next queen, nobody had my time again. If you don’t have your friends, and you don’t have your confidence you will feel lost. Surround yourself with your crew and stay confident because the Miss Nigeria brand will open doors for you for a lifetime.”