06/09/2026
Sierra Leone Prepares Grand National Homecoming Celebration in Honour of Mariyam Lorba Konneh - Miss World Sierra Leone’s Global Ambassador.
Mariyam Konneh is reportedly expected to return home on Monday, 7th September. She will be at the Sea Coach in Aberdeen, around 6:00pm.
The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) has announced plans to hold a grand national reception to welcome home Miss World Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, following her participation in the prestigious Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
The programme and date for the Grand Homecoming event will be communicated by MTCA, in due course.
The homecoming is expected to bring together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, cultural performers, youth groups, tourism stakeholders, media representatives and well-wishers from across the country to celebrate Mariyam’s representation of Sierra Leone on the global stage.
Representing Sierra Leone among 111 contestants from around the world, Mariyam used the international platform to showcase the country’s culture, heritage and tourism potential, while advancing messages around social causes affecting young people.
The MTCA has expressed appreciation to Mariyam for her representation of Sierra Leone, while commending the Miss Sierra Leone Board for its leadership, coordination and support throughout her international journey.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, described Mariyam’s journey as a source of national pride, noting that her participation had helped project Sierra Leone’s cultural identity, tourism potential and youthful energy to an international audience.
“Mariyam has shown the world the beauty, intelligence, resilience, and cultural richness of Sierra Leone. Beyond the pageant stage, she has embodied the spirit of our nation and served as a positive role model for our youth. We are proud of her achievements and look forward to welcoming her home as one of our distinguished ambassadors,” Minister Tunis said.
The Minister added that Mariyam’s international engagement aligns with Government’s broader efforts to use tourism, culture, arts and international platforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s global image and promote the country as a destination of culture, opportunity and investment.
The Miss Sierra Leone Board has also been recognised for its continued efforts to provide young Sierra Leonean women with platforms to develop their confidence, leadership skills and international exposure.
Mariyam’s journey represents another milestone in that effort, connecting Sierra Leone’s national pageant with an international audience and demonstrating the potential of young Sierra Leonean women to represent the country with distinction.
At aged 22, Mariyam Lorba Konneh is a former AYV Miss University Sierra Leone 2022, Miss Sierra Leone 2026 and Miss World Sierra Leone 2026. She is also a final-year Banking and Finance student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, as well as a television presenter, philanthropist and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mariyam’s Ways Limited and the Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, through which she has pursued initiatives focused on philanthropy, community development and youth empowerment. Mariyam has also been recognised among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone.
Mariyam is a multifaceted young woman whose work spans business, media, philanthropy, community development and advocacy. Her international journey has further positioned her as part of a new generation of African women using their platforms to inspire young people and promote positive social change.
As preparations for the homecoming gather momentum, traditional performances, cultural displays and other activities are expected to form part of the national reception.
The occasion will not only celebrate Mariyam’s return but also recognise the collective efforts of the Government, the MTCA, the Miss Sierra Leone Board, Mariyam’s Management team and other partners and the many supporters who contributed to her international journey.
For Sierra Leone, Mariyam returns not simply as Miss World Sierra Leone 2026, but as a young woman who carried the country’s identity, culture and aspirations onto one of the world’s biggest international stages.
Her homecoming is therefore expected to be more than a reception it will be a national celebration of Sierra Leonean talent, culture, resilience and the growing global potential of its young people.If you want, I can also make this.
Mariyam’s participation was facilitated by the Miss World Organisation and the Miss Sierra Leone Board under the leadership of Dr. Adonis Abboud, Chairman of the Miss Sierra Leone Limited Board, alongside key members of the Board, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and other institutions.
AYV Media Empire is proud to be a media partner and host broadcaster for Miss Sierra Leone, helping to amplify Sierra Leone’s presence throughout the competition. Thanks to the many media outlets, digital platforms, institutions and people from across the world who supported Mariyam Konneh’s journey to Miss World.
Credited Source: AYV News
