By Jemi Ekunkunbor

Organizers of Miss Nigeria beauty pageant, have called for entries for the 2016 edition of the oldest beauty pageant in Nigeria even as it enters it’s 40th season.

The 40th edition tagged Ruby edition, will hold on the 19th of December at the convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Making the call for entries at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, ex Miss Nigeria and member of the organizing committee, Dr. May Ikeora said, the pageant is looking for intelligent young women with values who can be role models to other girls. She noted that in the last five years, women have been occupying some of the highest positions in different countries citing the UK and Germany as examples.

She encouraged girls to come out and participate in the contest as Miss Nigeria seeks to empower young girls who can hold their own in society.

She added that not only has pageantry done a lot for young girls, Miss Nigeria in particular does not demean women adding that “Miss Nigeria is about an inherited brand, one that started in 1957”.

Announcing the criteria for entry, she says interested candidates who must not be pregnant or married and with no tattoos on their bodies, must be between 18-26 years and not necessarily be a stick-thin model.

This year’s theme which is “empowering women beyond beauty” will see contestants gainfully engaged in camp, with various empowerment programmes powered by resource persons from various fields of endeavours.

Winner of this year’s edition, will not only go home with a car but also with cash prize and opportunities for trips abroad.