A colourful farewell ceremony was held at the weekend (8th August 2026) in Freetown for Ms Mariyam Lorba Konneh, Sierra Leone’s representative at the upcoming Miss World Beauty Pageant in Vietnam this September. The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), brought together government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the creative industry to celebrate Konneh’s journey and to send her off with words of encouragement.
The Head of Public Affairs and Communications of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Emmanuel A.B Turay, who also doubled as the Master of Ceremonies in his welcome statement, stated that Mariyam embodies the grace, resilience, and creativity of Sierra Leone. Her participation is not just about beauty; it is about showcasing our culture, our heritage, and our national pride to the world. He highlighted that Konneh’s participation aligns with MTCA’s broader strategy to promote Sierra Leone globally and attract investment into the tourism sector.
The Chairman of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, His Excellency Dr Adonis Aboud, in his brief remarks on behalf of the Board, noted that this farewell is a reminder that Sierra Leone’s daughters can stand tall on global stages. “Mariyam carries the hopes of our young women who aspire to lead, inspire, and transform society”, he added.
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, Josephine Kamara, maintained that Mariyam is a symbol of Sierra Leone’s rising creative talent. She believes that with the support of fellow compatriots, especially the younger generation through digital means, Mariyam will shine in Vietnam and open doors for more of our artists and models to gain international recognition. She further called on Sierra Leoneans abroad to rally behind Mariyam. Her presence at Miss World is a cultural mission, and diaspora support is vital in amplifying her voice and our nation’s image.
In her farewell remarks, Konneh expressed gratitude to the government, her sponsors, and the people of Sierra Leone: “I am humbled by the love and support I have received. I promise to represent Sierra Leone with dignity, pride, and passion. This is not just my journey; it is our collective story of resilience and beauty”, she said. Mariyam appealed to Sierra Leoneans to rally behind her, stressing that she is representing the nation, rather than herself.
The farewell ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to using international platforms to rebrand Sierra Leone as a hub for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and creative industries. The farewell for Mariyam Luba Konneh was more than a send-off; it was a celebration of Sierra Leone’s cultural identity, a rallying call for unity, and a bold step in positioning the nation on the global stage.
