Nigeria's Miss Universe pageant has evolved significantly since its inception, aiming for diversity and inclusivity.
The upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, organized by the Silverbird Group, is set to take place on August 31, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This edition has gained attention due to the participation of Chidimma Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amid controversy over her nationality.
Adetshina’s decision to join Miss Universe Nigeria has created buzz, especially since she expressed gratitude to her supporters for the opportunity to represent her father's homeland.
The National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, announced the pageant's commitment to inclusivity; now accepting married, single, and divorced women.
This change aims to provide everyone, regardless of their marital status or body type, the chance to participate and shine.
Last year, Ugochi Ihezue Ukachukwu was crowned the first Miss Universe Nigeria, marking the beginning of this new era.
Murray-Bruce emphasized the event's commitment to recognizing beauty and strength across diverse demographics.
The 2024 edition will showcase 25 delegates, including Adetshina, and the winner will take home ₦10 million and other prizes.
After the competition, the winner will represent Nigeria on the international stage at the Miss Universe event scheduled for November 2024.
Participants will undergo rigorous training and rehearsals at the Festival Hotel, Festac, prior to the grand finale.
Activities planned for the contestants include business idea pitches, fashion shows, and networking events.
This mix of events is meant to equip contestants with practical skills beneficial for their future endeavors.
Voting for favored contestants has officially begun and will run until August 30, with public engagement being a core element of this year's pageant.
Murray-Bruce addressed the recent controversy surrounding Adetshina's nationality, reinforcing the pageant's belief in diversity and empowerment.
This incident is reflective of broader societal issues related to citizenship and identity, especially within the African continent.
Chidimma’s involvement adds another layer of excitement and inclusivity to the event, appealing to audiences across Africa.
Considering the pageant's focus on empowering women, successful sponsorship efforts have been made with significant brands.
Brands like Lush Hair and Nutrify are joining forces with Silverbird to support the contestants on their journeys.
The theme for this year's event, 'Digital Divas,' emphasizes the importance of technology and social media for the contestants.
This focus on digital presence reflects modern trends and the impact of social media on beauty and lifestyle campaigns.
Outgoing queen Ugochi Nwachukwu has expressed excitement about the upcoming event and the chance to crown her successor.
She has also committed to providing sponsorships for contestants who excel during the preparatory phases.
The inclusive approach and prize structure demonstrate the pageant's goal to uplift and empower women from diverse backgrounds.
Controversy aside, fans are rallying behind Chidimma, with her leading the voting tallies early on.
This excitement indicates strong support for her candidacy and the larger mission of the pageant to promote unity among Nigerian women.
With the final event approaching, the contestants are eager to showcase their talents, commitment to social causes, and personal journeys.
The anticipation for the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant continues to build, promising not just glamour, but also hope, empowerment, and representation.
