The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged the Federal Ministry’s support for Miss. World Nigeria, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George, ahead of the forthcoming Miss. World pageant in Vietnam, describing aviation and tourism as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and global image.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the beauty queen and her entourage in Abuja, Keyamo said Nigeria must leverage international platforms such as the Miss. World competition to showcase its tourism potential and cultural heritage.
He stressed that aviation and tourism are closely linked, noting that both sectors depend on each other for sustainable growth.
“Without aviation, there is really no tourism, and without tourism, a substantial part of aviation loses its commercial appeal. When you stand on the world stage, you are not just representing yourself; you are promoting Nigeria”, the minister said.
The delegation, led by Team Lead Prince Iwefa Aganaba, thanked the minister for granting them an audience and sought the Ministry’s partnership in projecting Nigeria positively through the prestigious international pageant.
Karibi-George also appealed for government support towards her participation in the global contest, saying representing Nigeria at the Miss World pageant requires significant logistical and institutional backing.
She congratulated Keyamo on what she described as his achievements in transforming the aviation sector and also sought support for her humanitarian project, which focuses on service, empowerment and national development.
Responding, Keyamo congratulated the beauty queen on emerging winner of what he described as a highly competitive contest.
He recalled attending the pageant because of his longstanding relationship with the Silverbird Group, which earlier named him its Minister of the Year, and expressed confidence that Karibi-George has the qualities to make Nigeria proud on the global stage.
Drawing parallels with Agbani Darego’s historic Miss. World victory 25 years ago, the minister said Nigeria now has another strong opportunity to gain international recognition.
“I believe that after Agbani Darego, we now have another very promising prospect on the world stage. We want to do everything within our powers in aviation to support you because this is also about promoting Nigeria’s image and tourism”, he said.
As part of the Ministry’s support, Keyamo directed the Director of Air Transport Management to engage foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to provide return flight tickets for the beauty queen under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
He also disclosed plans to discuss with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) the possibility of displaying promotional materials featuring Miss World Nigeria at selected international airports to welcome visitors and showcase the country’s representative.
The minister further revealed plans to engage Air Peace on a possible partnership with the beauty queen for future international engagements aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The visit ended with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to initiatives that promote Nigeria’s image, tourism and cultural heritage through aviation.