The 11th edition of the Face of Independence Nigeria (FOIN) Beauty Pageant and Hero Awards 2026 will hold on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos under the theme: Beauty, Purpose and Nation.
Time is 7.00 pm.
Barrister Catherine Ajije Oloidi, Executive Director of the Pageant said the objective of the show is to build girls who can become leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, ambassadors and change-makers.
Oloidi said: “We want to create a platform where a contestant can come in as an aspiring queen and leave with greater confidence, knowledge, networks, exposure and opportunities. We also want to use the platform to amplify issues affecting girls, young people and communities, while encouraging our queens to develop advocacy that create measurable social impact. Ultimately, we want the crown to become a tool for purpose and service.”
The pageant promoter said the winner of the pageant will go home with N5 million and represent Nigeria in an international pageant, while her runner ups will earn N2 million and N1 million each.
She described the crown as a responsibility and for the eventual queens to understand that beauty can open a door, but character, knowledge, competence and purpose remain key factors that would keep them in the room or position.
“Face of Independence is not just about beauty, glamour and entertainment. Our identity is deeply connected to Nigeria’s history, effort of our heroes who fought for Nigeria’s independence, patriotism, nation-building and the empowerment of the African girl,” she added.
On the contest, Oloidi emphasised that one factor that stood out was the sense of purpose by the contestants, as all of them came with personal stories and causes that were very inspiring.
“We also saw resilience, confidence, creativity and a strong desire to make an impact. We saw girls who knew so much about Nigeria’s history. Some of them are already building businesses or engaging in community initiatives. We saw contestants who were beautiful, articulate, intelligent, young, vibrant, talented and passionate. Some had backgrounds in entrepreneurship, entertainment, modelling, education, advocacy and other fields.”
She said the main thrust of the pageant is not simply about who is the most beautiful but who is prepared to become the Face of Independence Nigeria.
“Join us on the 24th of October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos as we crown the 11th Face of independence Nigeria Beauty Queens and as we honour our heroes with an Independence Hero Award.”
Some of the dignitaries that will receive special recognition awards and honours at the event include: Hon. Mary Alile Idele, PhD, Icon Female Political Leader of the Year Award; Mrs. Sandra Williams Oladele, Democratic Patriot of the Year; Hon. Aisha Ibrahim Baiyee, Excellence in Gender Inclusion and Sustainable Development Award; Amb. Dr. Hadiza Umar (Global MD, Hazdakos) Humanitarian Ambassador of the Year; Amb. Dr. Charles Omini, Human Rights Advocate of the Year and Mrs. Uyime Anietie Adams, Humanitarian Leader of the Year etc.
One of the corporate firms that sponsored the pageant, SAMUELSON Consulting Group, stated that the objective behind the effort is to give back to society in form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially for the youth segment of the population.
Mr. Tony Epelle, Managing Consultant & CEO of SAMUELSON said: “We decided to assist in the promotion and sponsorship of FOIN because it highlights the significance of the independence of the country with all our potential for greatness. It also showcases the talents and aspirations of young Nigerians, serves as platform for talent-development and molding, as well as youth empowerment programme.”
