25-year-old Ada Eme goes for Miss World title in India.

Twenty-five-year-old Ada Eme, Nigeria’s representative at the 71st Miss World pageant, is optimistic about clinching the coveted crown after securing a spot among the top 40 finalists. The highly anticipated grand finale is scheduled for this Saturday at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India.

Eme’s impressive performance during the head-to-head challenge, where contestants address various global challenges to emphasize Miss World’s commitment to promoting beauty with purpose, earned her a position among the top five finalists. This group also included representatives from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, and England.

In the head-to-head challenge, contestants articulate their projects, covering a range of issues such as environmental protection, healthcare initiatives, social justice efforts, and educational pursuits. Ada Eme’s project, titled “Health For All,” focused on addressing Schistosomiasis, a disease prevalent in tropical areas. Her impassioned speech not only secured her a spot in the top 40 but also earned her recognition from the Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization (MWO), Julia Morley. Ada Eme received an award with a cash prize of $5,000 for her impactful project.

The Abiriba, Abia State-born beauty queen shared that her dedication to the “Health For All” project was inspired by the realization that children benefiting from her scholarship program were forced out of school due to the disease. Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes, is common in riverine areas. Ada Eme’s initiative facilitated immunization for children at the grassroots and provided treatment for those infected.

Expressing her hope of winning the prestigious crown, Ada Eme stated, “I am hopeful to return with the crown. Every woman in this pageant shares the same goals as well as myself. It’s been such a beautiful challenge. However, I will continue to put my best foot forward and hope for the best,” in a WhatsApp chat with Vanguard on Tuesday.

The Miss World pageant, which commenced on February 18, featured a three-week schedule of events held at various locations, including the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. African countries competing for the crown alongside Nigeria include Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote D’ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Lesotho, Morocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Ada Eme had been in India since November, joining other contestants in preparation for the grand finale set to take place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Saturday, March 9.