The Benue State Government has announced the return of the Miss Benue beauty pageant after a 14-year hiatus, unveiling its 2026 emblem in a move aimed at promoting female empowerment, cultural values and youth development.

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Hon. Scholastica Ben-Sor, announced the revival during the unveiling ceremony, calling on young women to participate and urging corporate organisations, sponsors and development partners to support the initiative.

Ben-Sor said the decision to revive the pageant was driven by the need to provide young women in Benue with a platform to showcase their talents, build confidence and compete at national and international levels.

She recalled that the competition, owned by Clear Vision Entertainment Limited, ran from 2005 to 2012 before it was discontinued.

According to her, Miss Benue goes beyond physical beauty, as it seeks to promote integrity, modesty, discipline, respect, entrepreneurship and community impact.

She stressed that contestants must demonstrate good character and a commitment to personal development, adding that participation in beauty pageants should not expose young women to stigma, exploitation or discrimination.

Ben-Sor assured prospective contestants of a transparent and fair competition, free from favouritism and undue influence. She also said the initiative would incorporate cultural values, education and relevant skills to prepare participants for opportunities beyond the pageant.

She disclosed that the project team includes Hon. Member Dekera, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Township Beautification; Mrs. Patricia Goja, Managing Director of Novus Microfinance Bank; and Hon. Erdoo Minam of the Benue Fashion Hub, Hon. Denen Aondoakaa, among others.

She said Novus Microfinance Bank would support the financial aspects of the project, while Clear Vision Entertainment Limited would oversee its continuity and the management of contestants beyond the competition.

The Coordinator urged individuals and organisations to partner with the organisers, describing the pageant as an investment in the future of Benue's young women.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Vision Entertainment Limited, Hon. Stevie Ayua, said the company had owned and organised the Miss Benue pageant since 2005.

Ayua described the competition as a platform for producing a queen who represents the state and brings together other pageant queens under a shared identity.

He attributed the pageant's return to the initiative of the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, commending her for recognising its significance and championing its revival.

He expressed appreciation to the Office of the First Lady and the Benue State Government for supporting the initiative, saying its return would create renewed opportunities for young people and promote the state's image.

The unveiling of the 2026 emblem marks the formal return of Miss Benue, with organisers expressing hope that the pageant will provide a sustainable platform for talent development, female empowerment and cultural representation.

Hon. Kehe

Information Officer

 Benue State Government House Makurdi