By Theodore Opara

The Chairman of Mikano International, Mr. Mofid Karameh, has pledged his company’s commitment to empowering women and supporting local talents in the country.

Karameh who spoke during the presentation of a brand new Changan Eado Plus Executive sedan to the newly crowned 45th Miss Nigeria, Doris Ogah at the Victoria Island, Lagos Showroom, said: “Mikano International will continue to support and empower women in the country.”

Miss Ogah, a 26-year-old Nigerian lawyer and model who represented the South-South region in the contest emerged winner of the pageant which took place in December last year at the Royal Box in Victoria Island, Lagos. 

Executive Director of Mikano International, Mr Joelle Haykal said that the partnership between Mikano Motors and Miss Nigeria Organisation represents the company’s commitment to empowering women and supporting local talent within their communities, in line with Miss Nigeria’s theme for this year: Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement. 

According to Haykal, such development has always been a mainstay for the Mikano Group and is evident in much of the company’s efforts to give back to the society. 

“We are very excited to present the Eado Plus to Ms Ogah, who embodies the spirit of Miss Nigeria. This initiative is not just about the car; it is about recognising the iconic symbolism of the Miss Nigeria pageant, from its beginnings in 1957, as a photo contest to what we have now, a pageant that has produced ladies who have made impacts in various professional fields and with credible accomplishments,” the ED said. 

Expressing her excitement to have won the pageant and receiving the Eado Plus, Miss Ogah, a lawyer said winning the Miss Nigeria title has been a life-changing experience, adding that she is deeply grateful to Mikano Motors for the incredible car gift. 

Assuring that she will use her reign to inspire and empower young girls across Nigeria, the beauty queen noted that in addition to her core mission, she also intends to launch key initiatives including a Beauty and Fashion Fair to celebrate creativity and entrepreneurship; a Garden Project to promote environmental awareness and sustainability and comprehensive Sexual Education programs to promote awareness, safety, and informed choices among young people. 

She appreciated the sponsors and organisers of the pageant, saying: “Special thank you to Mikano International and the Miss Nigeria Organisation, brands that have stood out as a pillar of support, and have continued to do so even beyond it. Their dedication to the empowerment of women is not just a statement but a life commitment, and for that, I am truly grateful. I promise to make the most of this opportunity, to serve with purpose, and to make you all proud.” 

Also speaking at the event, legendary Nollywood queen and Chairman of the Miss Nigeria Board, Mrs Rita Dominic Anosike pointed out that reviving the Miss Nigeria franchise has never just been about a pageant but about building a platform that celebrates the brilliance, ambition, and cultural pride of the Nigerian woman. 

With partners like Mikano, Mrs Anosike emphasised that, her organisation is not just crowning queens but also empowering a generation and ensuring that Miss Nigeria is a title and a platform for real impact. 

Mrs Anosike advised the new queen which she described as an ambassador of change to use the gifted car to touch communities, inspire young girls and amplify the voices of those who look up to her.

In his speech, Group Executive Director, Mikano International Limited, Omar Karameh said Mikano has always stood as a proud supporter of our nation’s arts, culture, and entertainment industry, adding that they are committed to fostering creativity and talent of Nigerian origin. 

According to Karameh, the legacy of Ms Nigeria is not just about beauty; it’s about strength, intelligence, and leadership. 

“We believe that this platform can mould the future female leaders of our country. By celebrating these remarkable women, we pave the way for a brighter and more empowered Nigeria” .

“We will continue to support and uplift our talents, and we trust that the values of Ms Nigeria will shine brightly in our society and will inspire the next generation of female leaders”, Karameh assured 

Similarly, General Manager, Changan MEA, Tom Yin said that, as a global automotive enterprise with a profound 163 years history and 42 years of automobile manufacturing experience, Changan Automobile has always regarded “leading the automotive civilization and enriching human life” as its mission and responsibility. 

Noting that Changan Automobile has been rooted for 40 years in African continent, Yin added that Changan is deeply honored to partner with Mikano in expanding their presence in the Nigerian market, offering high-quality products and services to local customers. 

“Looking ahead, Changan will remain committed to long-termism and ocalisation, working hand in hand with Mikano to create more jobs and drive sustainable development in Nigeria. 

“This beauty pageant focuses on the remarkable achievements of Nigerian women such as wisdom, leadership, and cultural advocacy. 

“This aligns perfectly with Changan Automobile’s global”Her Power”initiative. Through this collaboration, Changan Automobile aims to inspire a new generation of women to pursue their dreams, shine in their fields, and shape a brighter future”, Yin said.