The 2002 Miss World pageant in the Nigerian capital...

The 2002 Miss World pageant in the Nigerian capital Abuja was postponed to December 7 to avoid a clash with Ramadam, the Muslim period of fasting. The move was "informed by our genuine consideration for our Muslim brothers and sisters", said a statement, signed by Nigeria's First Lady, Stella Obasanjo. Ramadan coincided with the date initially chosen for the show, November 30. The Nigerian president's wife is one of the event's backers through a charity she heads. The 2002 Miss World event has become mired in controversy since an Islamic court in northern Nigeria sentenced a young mother to death by stoning for adultery. Several beauty queens due to compete for this year's title have threatened to boycott the event if the death sentence imposed on Amina Lawal is not lifted.