As part of the nation’s 100 years celebrations, there will be a Miss Centenary Nigeria Beauty Pageant and Fashion show for young women between 18 and 25 years of age, and would be staged in Abuja before the end of the year, CEOAFRICA news desk gathered.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the National Coordinator, Miss Centenary Beauty Pageant and Fashion Show ,Mr Kola Oludare disclosed this to reporters.

    He said the beauty pageant is not a bikini show but one that will show case Nigeria’s culture as it marks its 100 years of existence.

 “The show will be a strong foundation that is deeply rooted in the national unity and peaceful coexistence of the country, thereby acting as a unifying tool. The Nigerian woman is a key player in the sustainability of the unity and development that the country has enjoyed in the last 100 years,” he added.

    Oludare said that the woman, who emerges as the centenary queen would have the opportunity to project “a great, vibrant and progressive nation that is ready to be a world leader”.

    The “no-bikini” event is billed for December 14, in Abuja ahead of the January 2014 Centenary event.

    The winner of the pageant is expected to participate fully in the general celebrations to showcase how the Nigerian womanhood has evolved in culture and tradition in the last 100 years.

    According to him, the pageant will parade Nigerian designers and fabrics to showcase the decency that Nigeria is known for.

    He said that the programme would be aired live on television.

    He explained that the winner of the pageant would go home with a Nigerian assembled SUV car to promote Made in Nigeria brand alongside cash and other prizes.

    According to Oludare, the ultimate goal of the event is to contribute towards peace building, irrespective of ethno-religious diversities.

    Activities for the pageant will include talent hunt, cooking competition of Nigerian dishes, workshops, debates on issues of national development and fashion competition.