Manny Ita –
The organisers of Miss Nigeria have announced the 2026 Beauty and Fashion Fair scheduled to hold from March 22 to 23 at Eko Hotel & Suites, marking what they describe as a strategic shift from traditional pageantry to a leadership-driven platform.
According to the organisers, the fair represents a significant evolution of the Miss Nigeria brand into what they termed a “leadership incubator,” designed to nurture talent, enterprise and innovation beyond the conventional beauty contest format. The initiative is expected to convene industry leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, creatives and aspiring young professionals within the beauty and fashion ecosystem.
Central to the event is the introduction of the Young Designer of the Year competition, created to identify and promote emerging fashion talents across the country. The organisers said the competition aims to bridge the gap between established industry icons and upcoming designers by providing mentorship, exposure and commercial opportunities.
Participants in the competition will showcase original collections before a panel of judges comprising fashion executives, established designers and industry stakeholders. The winner is expected to receive support packages, including brand development guidance and access to professional networks within the fashion and creative industries.
The organisers stated that the Beauty and Fashion Fair will also feature panel discussions, masterclasses and exhibitions focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation within the beauty and fashion sectors. The sessions are designed to equip participants with practical skills and strategic insights required to compete in a rapidly evolving global market.
They added that the repositioning of the Miss Nigeria platform reflects a broader commitment to empowering young women as leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers. By integrating fashion, business and leadership development, the organisation said it seeks to redefine pageantry as a vehicle for social and economic advancement.
The 2026 Beauty and Fashion Fair is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including fashion houses, beauty brands, investors, media representatives and members of the public. Organisers expressed confidence that the event will reinforce the Miss Nigeria brand’s relevance while expanding its impact within Nigeria’s creative and business landscape.
