The organisers of the Miss Nigeria pageant have apologised to Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde after an awkward moment between her and a reporter at a private event in Lagos gained attention online.
The incident happened during the 46th Miss Nigeria Patrons and Board Dinner, which held on Sunday.
A video from the event showed a presenter approaching the actress during a live segment and asking her to introduce herself.
The question appeared to catch her off guard, leading to a brief exchange before she walked away from the interview.
The clip quickly spread across social media, with many people sharing different opinions about what happened and how both sides handled the situation.
In response, the Miss Nigeria organisation released a statement on Tuesday through its leadership, which includes actress Rita Dominic.
The organisers expressed regret over the experience and said the actress should have been treated with proper care and respect.
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They explained that the dinner was a private and invitation-only gathering.
According to them, media interactions outside the planned arrangements at such events can lead to unexpected situations, where both guests and reporters may not be prepared.
The organisation also appealed to the public to be calm in their judgment and consider the full context instead of relying on a short video clip.
They described Omotola as a respected figure who has played a major role in the growth of the entertainment industry and said they stand by her.
The Miss Nigeria pageant, which started in 1957, remains one of the oldest beauty contests in the country, focusing on more than appearance by promoting leadership, culture, and opportunities for young Nigerian women.
