CONGRATULATIONS to the wonderful delegates of the 2008 Miss Nigeria In America beauty pageant. We are grateful to have some of the most accomplished and beautiful young Nigerian women in America participating in this year's pageant. Below are the amazing delegates vying for the title of Miss Nigeria In America 2008. To learn more about them and the work they are currently doing to prepare for the pageant, please click on the pictures.

Elizabeth Amani Miss Abia 2008	Bessie Kaine Miss Abuja 2008	Chinyere Nwabugwu Miss Adamawa 2008	Chikodi Ogwuegbu Miss Akwa Ibom 2008
Elizabeth Amaseimogha Miss Anambra 2008	Nonyelum Ogbodo Miss Delta 2008	Chioma Nkachukwu Miss Edo 2008	Pamela Onyenobi Miss Ekiti 2008
Joycee Awojoodu Mis Enugu 2008	Ronke Oke Miss Imo 2008	Ashley Ofuokwu Miss Kaduna 2008	Ama Inyang Miss Kano 2008
	Elizabeth Nwoke Miss Lagos 2008	Nneka Orjiakor Miss Oyo 2008

Based on the number of calls and emails we have received, it seems a lot of people (mostly Nigerians) are confused by the delegates and the states they are representing. This is quite understanble since most of them do not know why we do it this way. Click on the "Selection Process" and "State Assignment" buttons on the right pane to read more.

Nigeria is a very diverse nation of millions. MNIA, Inc. in dedicated to the promotion of this diversity and the uplifting of Nigeria and Nigerians all over the world. One of the numerous ways we go about promoting this diversity is through our annual beauty pageant showcase.

First and foremost, it is very important to understand and keep in mind that Nigeria is a country rich in culture. Our cultures are ingrained and deep rooted in us and are passed down from generation to generation. Often times, the continuance of our cultures stems from our family, which teaches us about our ancestery and our cultural heritage. However, for the most part, this cultural education tends to be limited to our immediate ethnic groups.

With the passing of time, generations of Nigerians are being born and bred in the United States with little or no understanding of these cultural heritages nor their values; as a result, we are losing that which makes us whole. Consequently, the ugliness that is “tribalism” has also found a way to ascribe itself to the little knowledge being passed down and continues to tear us apart.

Through the beauty pageant, we aim to:

• Dispel tribalism.
• Promote diversity.
• Educate our delegates about Nigeria.
• Inspire our delegates to reach for greater heights.
• Stir their minds to think about the social problems facing Nigeria and find solutions.
• Spark their desire to strive for a change.
• Showcase their beauty, talents and accomplishments.