By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

In a bold, refreshing move that merges glamour with green goals, Halima Abbey Foundation has unveiled ‘The Green Queen’ beauty pageant designed not only to empower young women but also to save the planet through innovative eco solutions and female led advocacy..

This idea was brought to life by Halima Abbey, the founder of the foundation. Driven by her love for beauty, deep concern for the environment, and backed by years in finance, she is building a platform where young women can rise, be heard, help protect our planet and fight for a greener future.

She says, “the Green Queen is not the usual beauty contest. Yes, there will be glamour and fun but the main goal is to teach, equip and inspire. Contestants will not only walk the run way with beautiful dresses, they will also work on projects that help the environment, speak about climate issues, and find ways to make their communities better”

Abbey noted that at the core of the Green Queen Pageant is education, action and leadership. She stated that it is about driving real change that aligns with global goals for a better world and contestants are encouraged to lead eco-projects.

“The pageant gives young women the stage to lead, speak out, and take action—building confidence and visibility.”

Every contestant according to the organiser will receive training, mentorship, and life skills that help them grow and make a difference in their communities. The pageant also brings together schools, NGOs, the media, and businesses to work hand-in-hand for greater impact.

“It is a powerful platform where beauty meets sustainability, and where every participant becomes a voice for the voiceless planet, inspiring their communities to care more, do more, and live more sustainably,” Halima Abbey added.

The organizer corrected an erroneous belief that many young girls grow up thinking beauty is just about appearances but “the Green Queen is here to change that thinking. This pageant will help girls build confidence, speak up for what they believe in, and learn how to create real change in their communities.

“We want every girl to know that being a queen means having courage, compassion, and a heart for people and the planet,” Halima Abbey elucidated. As regards the prize for the eco-friendly beauty pageant, the winners of The Green Queen won’t just go home with crowns and prizes, they will become environmental ambassadors leading clean up drives, trees planting, championing sustainable living habits at home, visiting schools, and encouraging others to live in a more eco-friendly way.

Halima Abbey, a finance professional with a deep love for helping women grow through education, business, truly believes young women can use both their beauty and their brains to make a real difference in the world. With her background in finance, she’s building something practical and powerful,giving girls and women the tools and support they need to lead change and build a greener future.