The Federal Government has rallied support for Miss Nigeria, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as the country’s official representative to the 75th Miss World pageant scheduled to hold in Vietnam on Sept. 5.

Speaking at a send-forth reception in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the global pageant as a platform promoting leadership, purpose and social impact.

“It is my honour to present and send forth Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Miss Nigeria, as the official representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Miss World Pageant 2026.

“She will carry our flag onto one of the most visible stages in the world, and she will carry it with grace, intelligence and pride,” she said.

The minister said Nigeria’s participation alongside contestants from about 130 countries offered an opportunity to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its creative economy and project the resilience of Nigerian women.

“This is cultural diplomacy at its finest, and it sits squarely within the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim assured that the ministry would provide full institutional support for Karibi-George throughout the competition, covering her preparation, travel arrangements and welfare during the international event.

“From her preparation, to her travel, to her welfare throughout the competition, she will not be left to carry this alone,” she said.

She urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support the country’s representative, saying her participation provided a unique opportunity to tell Nigeria’s story on a global stage.

“Whether she wins or places, she has already achieved something of real significance. She has earned the right to tell Nigeria’s story to the world,” the minister added.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Esuabana Asanye, expressed confidence that Nigeria could reclaim the Miss World crown through sustained commitment and structured preparation.

She said Nigerian women had taken ownership of grooming the country’s representatives through a structured national process, unlike before 1995 when the responsibility rested with government institutions.

Recalling Nigeria’s achievements at the global pageant, Asanye cited Helen Prest-Ajayi, Miss Nigeria 1979, and Agbani Darego, who became the first Black African woman to win the title.

“It has happened before and it will happen again. We are very certain that the crown will come back to Nigeria,” she said.

Responding, Karibi-George expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to represent Nigeria with dignity while showcasing the country’s rich culture and heritage.

“My heart is full of joy and gratitude. I am honoured to represent the rich culture, heritage and traditions of the Nigerian people,” she said.

She expressed optimism that Nigeria would once again emerge victorious at the competition and return home with the coveted Miss World crown.

“My deepest prayer is that what happened 25 years ago will happen again on Sept. 5,” she said.

The grand finale of the 75th Miss World pageant will be held on Sept. 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, with contestants expected from about 130 countries.

Veteran Nigerian musician Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charlie Boy, has addressed fans who have openly questioned his sexuality and labelled him gay.

Veteran entertainer Charlie Boy has responded to fans who question his sexuality

The singer argued that embracing one’s feminine side does not make anyone less of a man

Charlie Boy, known for his unconventional lifestyle and fashion, said he has grown accustomed to public criticism after decades of challenging societal norms.

The singer responded to the long standing speculation in one of his latest Instagram posts, saying many Nigerians remain close minded and unwilling to embrace different forms of self-expression.

“For years, many have questioned my sexuality, some have openly called me gay. Anything una like make una talk, because I know for many Nigerians, they are still living under the rock,” Charlie Boy wrote.

The singer added that embracing one’s feminine side does not make anyone less of a man. He stressed that he remains unbothered by how people perceive him.

“Embracing one’s feminine side isn’t about becoming less of a man, it’s about becoming more of a human being. It’s about having access to the full spectrum of human experience: strength and vulnerability, logic and intuition, independence and connection. If u know u know. I no send your father.”

Charlie Boy has built a reputation over the decades for his unconventional lifestyle, bold fashion choices and outspoken personality. Because of his lifestyle and unconventional dressing, many have believed him to be gay for years. He has also spoke candidly about his personal life and sexuality in previous interviews.

Reflecting on how his public image was initially received, Charlie Boy recalled that even his late father strongly opposed his appearance and persona. He explained that wearing earrings several decades ago was considered shocking and led many to misunderstand him. He said he eventually accepted that people would always judge what they did not understand.

Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, has explained why he stepped away from active legal practice, citing the growing demands of his music career.

Falz, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012 after studying law at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, said balancing law and entertainment became increasingly challenging as his fame grew.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Behind the Story podcast, the 35-year-old entertainer noted that while combining both professions was possible, sustaining an active legal career alongside a successful music career proved difficult.

The rapper recalled a courtroom experience that highlighted the challenges of practising law while becoming a public figure. According to him, a judge once recognized him for his activities outside the legal profession during a court appearance.

“There was a day in court when I announced my appearance, and the judge asked, ‘Are you not the one doing something on the side?’” Falz recounted.

He explained that at the time, some lawyers already knew him as the son of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, while others were beginning to recognize him through his growing presence in the entertainment industry.

Falz said the incident made him realize that his increasing popularity could become a distraction in legal proceedings and potentially affect clients’ confidence in his ability to focus on their cases.

“Imagine becoming even more famous and showing up in court. It could create distractions and make some clients feel I would be too occupied with music and other engagements. It would have been difficult because my face is already out there,” he said.

Recall that Falz first gained widespread attention in the music industry in 2011 with the release of his debut single, Wahz Up Guy, and has since established himself as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainers.