By Samuel Hinga Norman
Freetown, 20th July 2026- The African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, in partnership with the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) and sponsored by Africell, has officially launched the AYV Miss University 2026 pageant to empower female students under the theme: “Redefining Beauty Through Purpose and Leadership.”
The launch ceremony, held at the Freetown City Council Building on Thursday, July 16, brought together government officials, former beauty queens, the reigning AYV Miss University, members of the media, and other distinguished guests. The event marks the start of another nationwide competition that will bring together female students from universities across Sierra Leone to compete for the coveted crown and demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, confidence, and community impact.
Welcoming guests, Managing Director of AYV Media Empire, Umaru Fofana, described the occasion as an “auspicious occasion,” emphasizing that the competition has evolved beyond traditional beauty pageants. “So, it tells you why we’re talking about women, and we’re talking about leadership.” He noted that every aspect of this year’s edition was deliberately designed to celebrate youth leadership, intelligence, and purpose, stressing that the platform seeks to showcase “not only beauty but brain.”
Speaking on behalf of university students, NUSS President Fiona Ngima described the launch as the beginning of a movement to change society’s perception of beauty. “We’re launching a movement. For too long, beauty has been defined by the surface, by the stature, and by social media followers, but here today we’re rewriting that script.” She explained that AYV Miss University is designed to amplify the voices of young women who aspire to become agents of change. “Miss University 2026 is not just a pageant; it’s a platform… We want the woman who knows that her crown is not just a crown but a responsibility, a responsibility to inspire the next generation of female leader,” Ngima, said adding that the initiative seeks to demonstrate that academic achievement and leadership can go hand in hand, empowering female students to become problem-solvers in their communities.
Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh pledged the ministry’s full support for the initiative, describing pageantry as a powerful avenue for youth empowerment rather than simply a display of beauty. “For this year’s Miss University, for as long as I remain the Minister of Youth, I pledge my support.” He further emphasized: “Pageant isn’t only about beauty; it’s about community service,” adding that it’s also about being a role model and an influencer. According to the minister, pageantry has opened life-changing opportunities for many young people, encouraging participants to use the platform to positively impact society.
Sharing her personal journey, the reigning AYV Miss University, Fatima Kamara, encouraged prospective contestants to seize the opportunity, describing the competition as a transformative experience. “Becoming AYV Miss University was more than winning a crown; it gave me growth, learning, and a car I’m still using today.” She urged aspiring contestants to approach the competition with confidence and determination. “To every young woman considering AYV Miss University 2026, this is your chance to step forward, discover what you can become. Come prepared, be confident, believe in yourself, and embrace every lesson,” she said.
Officially launching the pageant, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Khadijatu Grace Kamara, called for greater appreciation of pageantry in Sierra Leone, arguing that it should be recognized as a platform capable of producing national ambassadors. She committed her personal support toward mentoring contestants. “I present myself here also that I will give my hundred and ten percent in teaching, training, and mentoring these young women to prepare them for what is to come,” she said. Expressing confidence in the country’s young women, she added: “I strongly believe that Sierra Leone has more than what it takes… to present nothing less but beauty with brains.” She encouraged female students from universities across the country to prepare themselves and compete with confidence.
The ceremony also featured musical performances by Trice and Lil Trump, adding entertainment to the official launch. The launch of AYV Miss University 2026 signals a renewed commitment to empowering female university students beyond physical appearance.
By placing leadership, academic excellence, community service, and personal development at the centre of the competition, the pageant seeks to nurture a new generation of confident, educated, and socially responsible young women.
As applications open nationwide, female students from universities across Sierra Leone now have the opportunity to compete for more than a title. The initiative offers a platform to build leadership skills, gain mentorship, expand professional networks, and become ambassadors for positive change in their institutions and communities.
