The President of Pageant Nigeria, Stephanie Usoro, has announced the commencement of applications for the 2027 edition of Miss 9ja, with a grand prize of N10m awaiting the eventual winner.
Usoro disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Abuja, describing the forthcoming edition as a landmark event that would celebrate beauty, intelligence and grace while promoting youth empowerment and national development.
She called on eligible young Nigerian women to register for the competition, stressing that the application and selection process is completely free.
According to her, eliminating financial barriers would ensure that talent, character and ambition, rather than economic background, determine who emerges successful.
Usoro said the N10m grand prize is designed to change lives by providing the winner with the financial capacity to establish a sustainable business, acquire valuable skills and build a meaningful future.
She noted that the organisers want the eventual queen to become more than a beauty ambassador by emerging as a job creator capable of contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“When young women establish businesses, they contribute their quota to national development, generate employment opportunities and play a direct role in reducing the unemployment rate that continues to challenge our country,” she said.
The Pageant Nigeria President described Miss 9ja as more than a beauty contest, saying it is a platform dedicated to raising confident, purpose-driven leaders who understand the importance of service and representation.
Reflecting on her journey, Usoro recalled emerging as the Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja before representing the Federal Capital Territory at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant.
She said the experience inspired her entrepreneurial journey, leading to the establishment of YOUdiii, a fashion and creative brand focused on transformative styling, creative direction and couture-inspired storytelling.
Usoro added that she holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management, as well as graduate certifications in Business Analysis and Project Management.
According to her, her transition from the pageant stage into entrepreneurship reinforced her belief that true beauty is defined by purpose, resilience and the courage to reinvent oneself.
She explained that Pageant Nigeria is committed to creating opportunities for young women to combine intellect with creativity, ambition with impact and personal success with national development.
Usoro urged parents, guardians, educators and other stakeholders to encourage eligible young women to take advantage of the opportunity.
She expressed optimism that the competition would produce a new generation of ambassadors who would make Nigeria proud.
Addressing intending contestants, she said, “This is your moment. Step forward with confidence, authenticity and vision. Pageant Nigeria 2027 will not only crown a winner ,it will launch legacies.”
