By Esther Onyegbula

The grand finale of the Miss E.B.O.N.Y Ambassador Innovative Pageant Nigeria is scheduled to hold on April 10, 2026, at the Swiss International The Vistana Hotel, VGC, Lekki, Lagos, with organisers saying the initiative is designed to empower young women through leadership development, skills acquisition and cultural promotion.

The pageant, organised by Ebony Ambassadors UK, is aimed at providing a platform for young African women to showcase their talents, develop leadership capacity and promote African cultural heritage.

Founder of the initiative and Chief Executive Officer of Ebony Ambassadors, Irene Eribo Ani, said the programme was created to move beyond the traditional concept of beauty contests by focusing on personal development, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

According to her, the platform was established to provide young women with opportunities to build confidence, acquire practical skills and embrace cultural identity while preparing them for leadership roles in their communities.

“This platform was created to empower young women beyond beauty. We aim to provide them with practical skills, leadership opportunities and a strong sense of cultural pride that will help them succeed in their communities and careers,” Ani said.

The pageant, which was first launched in London in 2016, has since evolved into a broader empowerment initiative featuring workshops, cultural exhibitions and annual grand finales that connect participants, mentors and community stakeholders across the United Kingdom and Africa.

Organisers said contestants will participate in a series of preparatory workshops ahead of the grand finale, focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural expression and personal development.
The event will also feature cultural exhibitions highlighting Nigerian heritage through traditional food, art, dance and attire.

The evening is expected to climax with the crowning of winners during the grand finale and awards ceremony, where individuals contributing to youth empowerment will also be recognised with honours such as the Ebony Ambassador Africa Youth Empowerment Award.
According to the organisers, the initiative aims to strengthen confidence and leadership potential among participants while promoting cultural pride and creating opportunities for youth-driven initiatives both in Nigeria and the diaspora.

They added that the project continues to receive support from media organisations, cultural institutions, sponsors and community leaders committed to youth empowerment and cultural development.

Members of the public, community leaders and cultural enthusiasts have been encouraged to attend the event scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. at Swiss International The Vistana Hotel, VGC, Lekki.