The SKY District Governance Working Group has congratulated Bayelsa-born Soye Karibi George-Aganaba following her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026 at the national pageant held in Lagos.

The group described her victory as a significant milestone for the people of Southern Ijaw, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa Local Government Areas, collectively known as the SKY District, saying her achievement has brought pride and inspiration to the region.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of the SKY District Governance Working Group, Prof. Hephzibah Suobo, Queen Soye was praised for demonstrating the values of excellence, discipline, perseverance and service.

“Queen Soye’s achievement is a crown for the entire SKY District,” Prof. Suobo said. “She has become a beacon of hope and a role model for our young women and men. Her journey shows that talent, character and determination can create opportunities on national and international stages.”

The Working Group said the beauty queen’s success represents more than a personal accomplishment, describing it as a collective victory that sends a strong message to young people across Bayelsa and Nigeria that their aspirations can be achieved through hard work and integrity.

The group also announced plans to strengthen partnerships with Beyond the Labels and other development-focused organisations to tackle discrimination, stigma, stereotypes and social exclusion within the district.

According to the statement, the initiative will promote equal opportunities, social protection, inclusion and dignity for all citizens regardless of gender, age, disability, social background or economic status.

The Working Group reaffirmed its commitment to international and regional frameworks supporting women and youth development, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Commonwealth Youth Development framework, the Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women, and the African Women’s Rights Protocol.

Prof. Suobo said empowering women, girls, young people and vulnerable groups remains essential to achieving sustainable development and inclusive governance.

He further stated that youth empowerment, gender equality, education, innovation and social inclusion would remain key priorities in the district’s development agenda.

The group revealed that plans are underway to formally host and celebrate Queen Soye within the SKY District in recognition of her achievement and her role in promoting positive values among young people.

Soye Karibi George-Aganaba is expected to represent Nigeria on larger international platforms following her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026.

The people of Southern Ijaw, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa have continued to celebrate her victory, describing it as a proud moment for Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.