The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has identified aviation and tourism as key sectors capable of driving Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
Keyamo stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Miss World Nigeria 2026, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George, and members of her delegation at his office.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister described aviation and tourism as interconnected sectors that play a major role in projecting Nigeria’s image internationally.
According to him, beauty queens serve as ambassadors who promote the country’s culture, tourism potential and global reputation, adding that aviation remains a strategic partner in achieving those objectives.
“For us in aviation, the basic duty of a beauty queen is to promote the image of her country and tourism. Without aviation, there is really no tourism, and without tourism, a substantial part of aviation loses its commercial appeal. When you stand on the world stage, you are not just representing yourself; you are promoting Nigeria,” Keyamo said.
The minister also pledged the support of his ministry towards Karibi-George’s participation in the forthcoming Miss World Pageant scheduled to hold in Vietnam later this year.
He directed the Director of Air Transport Management to engage foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to explore the possibility of securing return flight tickets for the beauty queen through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Keyamo further revealed plans to work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to display promotional materials featuring Nigeria’s representative at selected international airports to showcase the country’s culture and tourism opportunities to travellers.
He added that discussions would be held with Air Peace on possible partnership opportunities to support the queen’s future international engagements aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism and cultural heritage.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Iwefa Aganaba, commended the minister for granting them an audience, stating that the visit was aimed at seeking institutional support to promote Nigeria positively through the international pageant.
Karibi-George congratulated the minister on his efforts in repositioning the aviation sector and appealed for support towards her participation at the Miss World competition.
She also sought assistance for her humanitarian project, which she said aligns with the values of service, youth empowerment and national development.
Keyamo expressed confidence that Karibi-George has the qualities required to replicate the success achieved by former Miss World Agbani Darego and further enhance Nigeria’s international profile.
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