The Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire has revealed that the winner for AYV Miss University 2023 Pageantry will take home a brand new Suzuki Swift Car worth over Fourteen Thousand United States dollars, represent Sierra Leone at the Miss University Africa and will be receiving cash from AYV monthly, coupled with open access to and support from AYV in any of her undertakings.

The AYV officially launched the AYV Miss University 2023 Pageantry and unveiled the Contestants to the Press at its Wesley Street Headquarters in Freetown slated for 26th April, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, with the theme: ‘Beauty for Change: Unity, Dignity, Entrepreneurship’.

Daniel Moore is AYV’s Director of Marketing and Branding. He said the Pageantry will involve contestants from each of the Universities across Sierra Leone and that it is aimed to be very transparent.

He said the AYV has partnered with investors like Africell and the National Union of Sierra Leone Students to hold the Pageantry, from which the winner will be Sierra Leone’s official representative to Miss University Africa.

Mr. Moore recalled that the AYV Miss University Beauty Pageant was first held in 2011 and it is one of the biggest beauty pageants in Sierra Leone, bringing together participants from Universities in Sierra Leone.

Public Relations Officer for the National Union of Sierra Leone Students, Andrew Chokpeleh said the Miss University pageant holds significant importance for several reasons.

“Firstly, it serves as a platform to celebrate the intelligence, talent, and beauty of the young women representing their respective universities. It’s an opportunity to showcase their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.

“Secondly, the pageant promotes unity and camaraderie among students from different universities across the nation. It fosters a sense of pride and solidarity as contestants come together to support each other and compete in a spirit of sportsmanship.

“Moreover, the Miss University pageant serves as a forum to advocate for important social causes and issues affecting our society. Contestants often use their platform to raise awareness about topics such as education, women’s rights, environmental conservation, and community development.“Lastly, the pageant provides scholarships and other opportunities for personal and professional growth to the winners and participants. These opportunities can have a transformative impact on their lives and enable them to pursue their dreams and make positive contributions to society”.

Andrew concluded that the Miss University pageant is more than just a beauty contest; it is a celebration of talent, intelligence, unity and advocacy.

“We are proud to support and promote this event, and we look forward to seeing the incredible achievements and contributions of all the contestants,” he stated.