Before the crown, before the global stage, I am a daughter of the Niger Delta, shaped by the stories, strength, culture, and tenacity of my people.
Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George attended the inauguration ceremony of the 10th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council, a gathering that brought together traditional leaders, elders, and distinguished sons and daughters of the Niger Delta to mark a new chapter for the region’s foremost youth organisation.
Long before there was a global stage to prepare for, this was the room that shaped her.
Here is what the day meant to her.
A Reminder of Where She Comes From
Queen Soye described the ceremony as a beautiful experience, one that reflected the unity, leadership, and shared aspirations of the Ijaw nation. Being surrounded by traditional leaders, elders, and distinguished figures from the Niger Delta served as a reminder of the rich heritage she carries with her wherever her journey takes her, including to the Miss World stage in Vietnam.
For a queen whose platform has increasingly reached national and international audiences, this ceremony was a return to the cultural roots that shaped her long before any crown entered the picture.
Distinguished Company
Queen Soye was warmly received by several notable figures at the event, including His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; His Royal Majesty, King (Alhaji) Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Amanyanabo of Elem Kalabari; His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council; and Engr. Udengs Eradiri, among other distinguished guests.
That gathering of leadership, spanning government, traditional monarchy, and community advocacy, underscored the significance of the occasion, and Queen Soye’s presence within it reflected her own standing among the region’s rising voices.
Gratitude to the Ijaw Youth Council
Queen Soye used the occasion to express heartfelt gratitude to the Ijaw Youth Council for their unwavering support throughout her journey, sharing her excitement as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss World stage in Vietnam. She extended congratulations to the newly inaugurated executives, expressing hope that the new chapter would bring greater unity, progress, and opportunities for the Ijaw people.
A Crown That Carries a Region’s Story
Reflecting on what the moment meant to her, Queen Soye described her crown as representing more than an individual achievement. It carries, in her words, the pride of her people, the beauty of their culture, and the story of a region filled with strength, talent, and limitless potential.
As she prepares to step onto the global stage, she has said she carries Nigeria with pride, and carries the Niger Delta in her heart.
Why the Ijaw Youth Council Matters
The Ijaw Youth Council has long served as one of the most prominent platforms for youth advocacy and political voice within the Niger Delta, representing the interests of Ijaw communities across several states, including Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta. An inauguration of its national executive council is not a small local event. It is a gathering that draws leadership from across the region, making Queen Soye’s attendance a meaningful public alignment between her platform and one of the Niger Delta’s most established youth institutions.
For an advocate focused on inclusion and empowerment, standing alongside the newly inaugurated IYC leadership offered a natural extension of her own mission, connecting the Beyond Labels Initiative’s broader themes of opportunity and belonging to a youth movement already deeply rooted in the communities she hopes to serve.
A Homecoming Before the World Stage
Attending this ceremony ahead of her departure for Vietnam carried a symbolic weight beyond the event itself. It placed Queen Soye back among the traditional rulers, elders, and community leaders who shaped the cultural identity she has consistently referenced throughout her reign, from her courtesy visits to Bayelsa and Rivers States to her advocacy work across the region. Before carrying that identity onto a global stage, she chose to sit among the people who gave it to her first.
Follow the Journey
This ceremony reflects a recurring thread throughout Queen Soye’s Road to Miss World: honouring the communities and leadership structures that shaped her identity before extending that story to the rest of the world. This site will continue to document each milestone as she prepares for Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event did Queen Soye attend with the Ijaw Youth Council?
She attended the inauguration ceremony of the 10th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council, a gathering of traditional leaders, elders, and distinguished figures from the Niger Delta.
Who did Queen Soye meet at the inauguration ceremony?
She was received by Deputy Governor Peter Pereotubo Akpe of Bayelsa State, King Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, and other distinguished guests.
What did Queen Soye say her crown represents?
She described her crown as representing more than an individual achievement, carrying the pride of her people, the beauty of Ijaw culture, and the story of the Niger Delta’s strength and potential.
