The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (nbc) has announced that this year's Miss Namibia pageant will be held in the Oshana Region towards July.

The decision is a significant step towards promoting the country's rich cultural heritage, talent, and diversity, bringing the pageant closer to Namibians across the country.

Over the years, the Miss Namibia pageant has grown into a prestigious event that sees Namibian women showcase their beauty on the stage and represent Namibia to the rest of the world on international stages.

The event has also become a permanent feature of the country's national events, attracting hundreds of patrons and supporters, evidence that Namibians continue to throw their weight behind the pageant.

Oshana Regional Governor Elia Irimari expressed his delight with the decision to host the most prestigious beauty pageant in his region, saying it will boost the region's economy in the days leading up to the event and thereafter.

"As residents of Oshana, we welcome the identification from your team, not knowing which qualities you had in mind, but we are ready to host this event for the first time in the region's history and in the northern part of Namibia, where Miss Namibia has never been held."

The Chief Executive Officer of the Miss Namibia Organisation, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, said the pageant has, over the years, fostered the revitalisation of cultural norms and traditions and promoting tourism, women's empowerment, and is a sought-after social movement.

"We will go all out and really promote this region because it's so beautiful. You will be telling us about these things that we are not aware of. That will be amazing, and that is the platform that we have created for the Miss Namibia organisation so that we have built a value around it so that it's not only about women's beauty."

nbc Director General Stanley Similo said this year's theme is celebrating legacy and embodying unity, adding that the pageant to be hosted in the Oshana Region will give talented youth an opportunity to vie for the coveted crown.

 "We have already, in principle, agreed that this is what we will do, so our commitment remains 100%. It is important that all sectors of society, particularly in the northern parts, are seen to be part of this thing that we are having. So that we take the girl child, give them dignity, and make sure that, as Namibians and beyond, we look differently at whom and what they are. So personally, I am very happy about that."

This year, the patron of the pageant is the spouse of the Ondonga Omukwaniilwa, Adelheid Nangolo, and her patronage is set to elevate the pageant, and embrace and celebrate cultural heritage.

The nbc and the Oshana regional leadership are requesting businesses and communities, as well as aspiring participants, to contact the event organisers.

More details on the pageant can be found on the nbc website and social media platforms.