Afrique Styles International secures a major global franchise deal and unveils Nigeria’s 2026 representative. Discover how this milestone is reshaping women empowerment. Read more.
In a moment described as both historic and transformational, Afrique Styles International has secured the prestigious international franchise of Runway Model Universe, placing Nigeria firmly on the global modeling and cultural excellence map.
Speaking before members of the press, partners and invited guests, the Founder and CEO, Amb. Ms. Afrique Jessey Umah-Kalu, recounted the journey that began in 2022 with a vision far beyond beauty pageantry.
According to her, the platform was established to build confident, skilled and purpose-driven African women, using fashion, culture and empowerment as tools for transformation.
Since its inception, Afrique Styles International has expanded its footprint beyond crowns and catwalks. The organization has provided free basic skills training, scholarships, mentorship programs and personal development initiatives to young women across Nigeria.
Through its Beauty Queens Volunteer Projects, the platform has executed menstrual hygiene campaigns, distributed sanitary products to secondary schools and spearheaded awareness programs on HPV and gender-based violence.
“Our queens are not just wearing crowns; they are wearing responsibilities,” the CEO emphasized, describing the movement as one built on leadership, service and advocacy.
The organization’s growing impact has earned it affiliations with the International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice (United Nations) and Taluk Organization, a European Union body — recognitions that underline its expanding international credibility.
But the major highlight of the evening was the announcement that Afrique Styles International is now the official franchise holder of Runway Model Universe in Nigeria, with exclusive rights to select and send Nigerian delegates to the global competition scheduled to hold in Edmonton, Canada, in May 2026.
In a celebratory climax, the organization officially announced Her Royal Majesty, Queen Treasure Adeze Okechukwu, as Nigeria’s delegate to represent the country at the upcoming global contest.
The international contest brings together young women from different nations to compete, celebrate cultural diversity, promote excellence in modeling and showcase leadership on a global stage.
The CEO described the opportunity as a major door opener for Nigerian women to build global networks, access new platforms and elevate African excellence internationally.
While celebrating the milestone, the organization also revealed that the international project requires an estimated ₦30 million budget, calling on corporate bodies, sponsors, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the mission.
Amb. Umah-Kalu reiterated that Afrique Styles International is not merely a pageant platform but a movement committed to raising women who will, in turn, raise others.
“This is about transformation, service and generational impact,” she said.
As preparations intensify toward May 2026, the spotlight now turns to how Nigeria will make its mark on the global runway.
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