Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has issued a passionate call to Nigerians to rally behind Miss World Nigeria, Soye Karibi-George, as she heads into the final phase of the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam.
In a statement released on Friday, the Minister said Soye has carried Nigeria with pride throughout the competition and now needs the full backing of the country.
“Before Soye Karibi-George left Nigeria for the Miss World stage, I had the opportunity to spend time with her, to listen to her speak, to hear her answer questions about her dreams, her advocacy and the country she was preparing to represent. And I remember being deeply impressed,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She described Soye as a young Nigerian woman who is graceful and brilliant, beautiful and articulate, ambitious and grounded.
“Not simply because she is beautiful. But because when Soye speaks, there is substance behind her words. There is intelligence. There is thought. There is purpose. There is a quiet confidence that makes you want to listen a little longer,” the Minister stated.
Soye has already won the Africa Top Model title, which automatically secured her a place in the Top 40 quarterfinals.
“She has spoken about her country, celebrated her country and shown the world something beautiful about the Nigerian woman. Today, she is Top Model for Africa and a Miss World Top 40 finalist. And I could not be prouder,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim added.
The Minister urged Nigerians to vote for Soye, share her story, call friends and send links to groups. “Let Nigerians everywhere rally behind her,” she said.
She closed with a direct message to the beauty queen: “Soye, you left home carrying Nigeria on your shoulders. Now let millions of Nigerians carry you the rest of the way. We believed in you before you left our shores. We believe in you still. And whatever happens on that stage, know this: You have already made your country proud.”
The Miss World grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September 2026, in Vietnam.
