AYV Miss University 2026 Launched with Focus on Leadership and "Beauty With Brains"
- Grace Bangura
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
The African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, in collaboration with the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) and sponsored by Africell, launched the AYV Miss University 2026 pageant on Thursday, July 16, at the Freetown City Council Building.
Under the theme “Redefining Beauty Through Purpose and Leadership,” the competition aims to pivot away from traditional beauty standards, placing a stronger emphasis on intellectual capacity, leadership abilities, and community impact.
AYV's Consultant Managing Director Umaru Fofana described the launch as a deliberate effort to evolve the perception of pageantry. “We’re looking for women that are beautiful and brainy for Miss University 2026,” Fofana stated, noting that the organization is committed to creating platforms that allow young women to demonstrate their full potential beyond physical appearance.
NUSS President Fiona Ngima highlighted that the initiative is designed to rewrite the script on how society evaluates women.
“For too long, beauty has been defined by the surface... but here today we’re rewriting that script,”
Ngima said, explaining that the pageant seeks to develop leaders who view the crown as a responsibility to inspire others.
The launch drew support from key government figures, including the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, who praised the pageant as a tool for youth empowerment and community service. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. Khadijatu Grace Kamara, who officiated the ceremony, pledged her support for mentoring contestants, emphasizing the potential for Sierra Leonean women to excel as national ambassadors.
Fatima Kamara, the reigning AYV Miss University, encouraged prospective applicants to participate, citing personal growth and networking opportunities as key benefits of the journey.
The launch also featured musical performances by Trice and Lil Trump.
Applications are now open nationwide for female university students interested in the platform, which organizers say will offer mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities alongside the competition.
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