Miss Nigeria
Encyclopedia
Miss Nigeria is a pageant show used to showcase positive attributes of Nigerian women. Before 1986, winners represented Nigeria at international pageants including Miss World; this role is now performed by Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria
, while Miss Nigeria winners are ambassadors of Nigerian culture.
In 2010, after a six-year hiatus, the Miss Nigeria pageant was re-launched under new management (previously it had been organised by Times Leisure Services, publisher of national newspaper
Daily Times
) and the new tagline
One Nation, One people, One Queen. Former MBGN Nike Oshinowo-Soleye has been designated as chief executive and creative director.
The current title holder is Feyijimi Sodipo, from Ogun
.
segment. We are not looking for fashion models tall or skinny; our young ladies would be judged on poise, intelligence, cultural values as well as beauty", qualities the organisers believe that every family would approve.
Before it was discontinued in 2004, segments of the competition included Traditional
, Swimsuit
, Talent, Interview, and Evening Gown
(in 2010, it was changed to Dance, Traditional and Couture), with contestants competing in zonal contests in different parts of the country where they were given numbers (unlike Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, participants did not represent states). The zonal winner and the first and second runners-up were then selected to take part in the grand finale in Lagos
. Throughout the year, the winner was sponsored by several prestigious organisations, and earned endorsement deals.
In recent years, similarly named contests like Miss Nigeria Entertainment have emerged.
In addition, there are several versions of Miss Nigeria in different parts of the world, held for Nigerians living in these parts, including Miss Nigeria UK, Miss Nigeria Ireland, Miss Nigeria USA and Miss Nigeria Holland.
parade, a former segment of the live shows, was regarded as a form of nudity . Although Miss Nigeria has been praised for judging contestants according to Nigerian standards of beauty, it has been argued that Miss Nigeria was more Western
than African, and did not fully represent Nigerian culture. In 2001, finalist Keltuma Shawanma was accused of going commando
underneath her short Aso Oke
outfit in an attempt to secure top marks from the judges who were reportedly offended, along with most of the audience. Shawanma later argued that she had worn a g-string
. Although Oshinowo-Soleye promised that future winners will be truly representative of Nigerian beauty, the 2010 finalists wore tartan
- a pattern associated with Scotland
- during the dance segment .
Critics have described the pageant as a parade of beauty with no brains. Former pageant manager Yomi Onanuga told an interviewer in 2006: "We are tired of seeing girls on stage after two weeks in camp, and having much fun, all we see is that they ask them [questions] and they win. Two months after, somebody asks her the same question, she cannot answer, and people begin to ask, Where did she get her crown from?". In 1991, highly tipped English Literature
undergraduate Ibinabo Fiberesima lost the crown to model Bibiana Ohio, after she was unable to name the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan
, which she attended.
Most of the winners have been light-skinned, and this has enraged the public who argue that "black is beautiful". In 1988, dark-skinned catering student Stella Okoye crowned her successor Wunmi Adebowale, who was also dark, thus breaking a long line of light-skinned winners, yet Okoye's reign had not been without controversy - fellow contestant Omasan Buwa
told The Punch in 2011 "In the hall that day, there was a big uproar and they had to take her out with police escort[s]. The audience felt she was very dark." Other dark-skinned winners include Clara Ojo (1994), Vien Tetsola (1999), and Regina Nwabunar (1998).
The pageant had been slated for failing to live up to the glamour of MBGN. After 1986, winners ceased to partake in Miss World
, and pageant oraganisers often failed to hold the contest every year due to a number of reasons, mainly financial. The prize money and lack of endorsements were also a cause for concern, particularly before the new millennium
. Miss Nigeria 1993 Janet Fataye told an interviewer: "People thought I was raking in all the money there was, but that wasn't the case. The prize money at the time was a mere N12,000, given to me at N1,000 a month. Yes, I got the car prize that was being serviced by Daily Times, but then I had to buy petrol!"
Rita Anuku, who won the contest in 1986, has stated "I think they have commercialized the whole affair; it is no longer what it used to be. It was something that people looked forward to. People wanted to [go] there, feel happy and see the right person being chosen and congratulated the person happily. But now, I guess they are looking for something else and not beauty at all."
The most famous age-scandal contestant is Miss Nigeria 2001, thirty-year-old Valerie Peterside, who had not only lied about her actual age (she had told organisers she was twenty-five), but had also forged her university qualifications (she was reportedly expelled from the Ahmadu Bello University
prior to graduation due to examination malpractice) and NYSC certificates. Following and investigation carried out by several prominent Nigerians including former Daily Times editor Tony Momoh
and former Miss Western Nigeria Julie Coker, a decision was made to dethrone the newly crowned queen. Peterside, who had competed the previous year (still as a 25-year-old) and featured in the movie Millionares Are Saints, fought to keep the crown, but was forced out, allowing first runner-up Amina Ekpo to take over.
Despite her popularity as Miss Nigeria 2002, International Relations
graduate Sylvia Edem attracted further media attention when it was rumoured she had forged her date of birth to compete, like Peterside before her. It was believed that Edem was thirty years old, until an investigation confirmed she was twenty-three.
Miss Nigeria 1981 Tokunboh Onanuga was demoted after a flaw was discovered on her WAEC certificate.
In 1990, fashion
student Binta Sukai
, who is of mixed heritage (her mother is half-Scottish
), attracted criticism from the public who questioned her nationality and eligibility to compete.
, the pageant was re-launched as a programme providing scholarships to institutions of higher learning. In addition to the scholarship, prizes include a luxury car, N3,000,000, one year accommodation in Lagos, and designer wardrobe. Screening for potential contestant are now held in various Nigerian cities, and the first time ever, abroad.
The swimsuit segment has now been discontinued, and while beauty is still a requirement, organisers will now focus mainly on other attributes while combining vintage
glamour with modern elegance.
Winners will no longer represent Nigeria at international pageants, but will now work for the Miss Nigeria Foundation, and the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria through the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Health and Women Affairs, while also making herself available to work on special projects on behalf of International Non- governmental Organizations such as WHO and One International.
Miss Nigeria now includes a reality show which sees potential contestants compete in various tasks with the public voting for their favourite.
Unlike MBGN, Miss Nigeria organisers did not host pageants every year. This is expected to change after 2010.
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria
The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant originally began as Miss Universe Nigeria in 1983, and was created by Silverbird Group. It was later re-named Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 1986. Winners represent Nigeria in Miss World and, until recently, Miss Universe – currently, only the...
, while Miss Nigeria winners are ambassadors of Nigerian culture.
In 2010, after a six-year hiatus, the Miss Nigeria pageant was re-launched under new management (previously it had been organised by Times Leisure Services, publisher of national newspaper
Newspaper
A newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
Daily Times
Daily Times of Nigeria
The Daily Times of Nigeria is a newspaper with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.At its peak, in the 1970s, it was one of the most successful locally owned businesses in Africa....
) and the new tagline
Tagline
A tagline is a variant of a branding slogan typically used in marketing materials and advertising. The idea behind the concept is to create a memorable phrase that will sum up the tone and premise of a brand or product , or to reinforce the audience's memory of a product...
One Nation, One people, One Queen. Former MBGN Nike Oshinowo-Soleye has been designated as chief executive and creative director.
The current title holder is Feyijimi Sodipo, from Ogun
Ogun State
Ogun State is a state in South-western Nigeria. It borders Lagos State to the South, Oyo and Osun states to the North, Ondo State to the east and the republic of Benin to the west. Abeokuta is the capital and largest city in the state...
.
Competition
The new Miss Nigeria organisers promise to create a family-friendly pageant, reminiscent of a time when opportunity came with responsibility, and womanhood was held in the highest regard. In a statement, Oshinowo-Soleye states that contest "will have no swimwearSwimsuit
A swimsuit, bathing suit, or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn by men, women or children while they are engaging in a water-based activity or water sports, such as swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, water skiing, or during activities in the sun, such as sun bathing.A...
segment. We are not looking for fashion models tall or skinny; our young ladies would be judged on poise, intelligence, cultural values as well as beauty", qualities the organisers believe that every family would approve.
Before it was discontinued in 2004, segments of the competition included Traditional
Clothing in Africa
African clothing is the traditional clothing, often vibrantly coloured, worn by the indigenous peoples of Africa...
, Swimsuit
Swimsuit
A swimsuit, bathing suit, or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn by men, women or children while they are engaging in a water-based activity or water sports, such as swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, water skiing, or during activities in the sun, such as sun bathing.A...
, Talent, Interview, and Evening Gown
Evening gown
An evening gown is a long flowing women's dress usually worn to a formal affair. It ranges from tea and ballerina to full-length. Evening gowns are often made of a luxury fabric such as chiffon, velvet, satin, or silk...
(in 2010, it was changed to Dance, Traditional and Couture), with contestants competing in zonal contests in different parts of the country where they were given numbers (unlike Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, participants did not represent states). The zonal winner and the first and second runners-up were then selected to take part in the grand finale in Lagos
Lagos
Lagos is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. With a population of 7,937,932, it is currently the third most populous city in Africa after Cairo and Kinshasa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa...
. Throughout the year, the winner was sponsored by several prestigious organisations, and earned endorsement deals.
In recent years, similarly named contests like Miss Nigeria Entertainment have emerged.
In addition, there are several versions of Miss Nigeria in different parts of the world, held for Nigerians living in these parts, including Miss Nigeria UK, Miss Nigeria Ireland, Miss Nigeria USA and Miss Nigeria Holland.
History
- The first Miss Nigeria was trainee nurse Grace Oyelude in 1957, who had recently gained admission into Nursing School, and competed when the pageant was a photo-contest.
- CamerounCamerounCameroun was a French and British mandate territory in central Africa, now constituting the majority of the territory of the Republic of Cameroon....
ian Nene Etule won the contest in 1959; she was eligible as Southern CameroonCameroonCameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
was under Nigerian constitutionConstitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is...
in the fifties.
- In 1960 the contest was briefly re-named "Miss Independence", as Nigeria had gained its independence from BritishUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
rule that year. The title holder, future broadcaster and actress Rosemary Anieze, was involved in the Independence Day celebrations.
- Miss Nigeria 1962 Yemi Idowu was a semi-finalist at Miss United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
1963.
- In 1964, the first Miss Nigeria to represent the country at Miss Universe was Enda Park, best remembered for being overly confident, but causing a stir when she collapsed on stage after her name was not announced as one of the finalists at Miss Universe 1964Miss Universe 1964Miss Universe 1964, the 13th Miss Universe pageant, was won by 21-year-old Corinna Tsopei of Greece. It took place on 1 August 1964 at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida, USA.-Placements:-Special awards:...
. Park was carried away by policemen and contest officials before spending the night in a Miami hospital under sedationSedationSedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a medical procedure or diagnostic procedure...
, where she was consoled by Nneka Onyegbula, wife of the Nigerian ambassador, who reportedly stated: "All the judges are whiteCaucasian raceThe term Caucasian race has been used to denote the general physical type of some or all of the populations of Europe, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Asia , Central Asia and South Asia...
and they aren’t really competent to judge [a] dark girl's beauty". Since Park, no Miss Nigeria has competed at Miss Universe.
- Rosaline Balogun became the first official Miss Nigeria at Miss World in 1967.
- In 1985, Miss Nigeria Eastern Zone Barbara Ana breached protocol at the finals in Lagos by speaking against the growing trend of 'Sugardaddies' - wealthy individuals embarking on romantic relationships with considerably younger lovers who, in turn, ascertain monetary funds - and lost out to Rosemary Okeke, who was the last Miss Nigeria to compete at Miss World. Ana later admitted that her outspokenness had cost her the crown. In 2011, she was found murdered in her Abuja home.
- Miss Nigeria 1990 Binta SukaiBinta SukaiBinta Sukai is a Nigerian fashion consultant.Sukai's parents divorced when she was a child. She was raised by her Scottish grandparents in the United Kingdom where she was educated, but occasionally lived with her mother in Nigeria. She first came to the limelight when she was crowned Miss Nigeria...
is often described as the first Miss Nigeria from the North, yet this milestone had already been reached when Grace Oyelude won in 1957, although Oyelude is of Yoruba heritage.
- The winner with the longest reign is Miss Nigeria 2004 Ene Lawani. Clara Ojo held the title for four years due to the organiser's incapability to convene a pageant for four years.
- In 2001, Applied Chemistry student and Akwa IbomAkwa IbomAkwa Ibom is a state in Nigeria named after the Qua Iboe river. It is located in the coastal South-Southern part of the country, lying between latitudes 4°321 and 5°331 North, and longitudes 7°251 and 8°251 East...
native Amina Ekpo became the first Miss Nigeria from the South-East. Miss Nigeria 2002 Sylvia Edem was the first South-Eastern winner.
- Nwando Okwuosa was the first Miss Nigeria at Miss InternationalMiss International 2003Miss International 2003, The 43rd Miss International Pageant was took place in Tokyo, Japan on October 8, 2003. 45 beauties from all over the world competed to win the coveted title held by Christina Sawaya of Lebanon...
.
- Following the success of Agbani DaregoAgbani DaregoAgbani Darego is a Nigerian model, best known as the first Sub-Saharan African Miss World.-Early life:...
in Miss WorldMiss WorldThe Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951...
in 2001, the Daily Times sued MBGN organisers Silverbird EntertainmentSilverbird GroupThe Silverbird Group is one the largest entertainment companies in Nigeria and Africa. Consisting of Silverbird Entertainment, Silverbird Cinema, Rhythm FM and MBGN, it is thought to be third largest media entertainment company in Western Africa....
, claiming that Miss Nigeria possessed sole rights to represent the country at international level - at international pageant shows, the reigning MBGN - who Daily Times manager Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo famously described as "lowly-rated queens" - is often referred to as "Miss Nigeria" title.
Criticism
The swimsuitSwimsuit
A swimsuit, bathing suit, or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn by men, women or children while they are engaging in a water-based activity or water sports, such as swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, water skiing, or during activities in the sun, such as sun bathing.A...
parade, a former segment of the live shows, was regarded as a form of nudity . Although Miss Nigeria has been praised for judging contestants according to Nigerian standards of beauty, it has been argued that Miss Nigeria was more Western
Western culture
Western culture, sometimes equated with Western civilization or European civilization, refers to cultures of European origin and is used very broadly to refer to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, religious beliefs, political systems, and specific artifacts and...
than African, and did not fully represent Nigerian culture. In 2001, finalist Keltuma Shawanma was accused of going commando
Going commando
Going commando is the practice of not wearing underwear under one's outer clothing. The term is theorized to be related to the much earlier term "going regimental", which refers to wearing the kilt military style, that is, without underwear...
underneath her short Aso Oke
Aso Oke fabric
Aso oke fabric, is a hand loomed cloth woven by the Yoruba people of south west Nigeria. Aso oke means top cloth in the English language. Usually woven by men, the fabric is used to make men's gowns, called Agbada, women's wrappers, called iro, and men's hats, called fila.-Types of aso oke:There...
outfit in an attempt to secure top marks from the judges who were reportedly offended, along with most of the audience. Shawanma later argued that she had worn a g-string
G-string
A G-string is a type of thong underwear or swimsuit, a narrow piece of cloth, leather, or plastic, that covers or holds the genitals, passes between the buttocks, and is attached to a band around the hips, worn as swimwear or underwear by women and men...
. Although Oshinowo-Soleye promised that future winners will be truly representative of Nigerian beauty, the 2010 finalists wore tartan
Tartan
Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns...
- a pattern associated with Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
- during the dance segment .
Critics have described the pageant as a parade of beauty with no brains. Former pageant manager Yomi Onanuga told an interviewer in 2006: "We are tired of seeing girls on stage after two weeks in camp, and having much fun, all we see is that they ask them [questions] and they win. Two months after, somebody asks her the same question, she cannot answer, and people begin to ask, Where did she get her crown from?". In 1991, highly tipped English Literature
English literature
English literature is the literature written in the English language, including literature composed in English by writers not necessarily from England; for example, Robert Burns was Scottish, James Joyce was Irish, Joseph Conrad was Polish, Dylan Thomas was Welsh, Edgar Allan Poe was American, J....
undergraduate Ibinabo Fiberesima lost the crown to model Bibiana Ohio, after she was unable to name the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan
University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan is the oldest Nigerian university, and is located five miles from the centre of the major city of Ibadan in Western Nigeria...
, which she attended.
Most of the winners have been light-skinned, and this has enraged the public who argue that "black is beautiful". In 1988, dark-skinned catering student Stella Okoye crowned her successor Wunmi Adebowale, who was also dark, thus breaking a long line of light-skinned winners, yet Okoye's reign had not been without controversy - fellow contestant Omasan Buwa
Omasan Buwa
Omasan Tokurbo Buwa is a Nigerian lawyer and magazine columnist, currently working as a government official in Delta State.Buwa was born in England, but moved to her native Nigeria with her parents at the age of seven. In 1987, she rose to national fame in Nigeria when she represented Warri in the...
told The Punch in 2011 "In the hall that day, there was a big uproar and they had to take her out with police escort[s]. The audience felt she was very dark." Other dark-skinned winners include Clara Ojo (1994), Vien Tetsola (1999), and Regina Nwabunar (1998).
The pageant had been slated for failing to live up to the glamour of MBGN. After 1986, winners ceased to partake in Miss World
Miss World
The Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951...
, and pageant oraganisers often failed to hold the contest every year due to a number of reasons, mainly financial. The prize money and lack of endorsements were also a cause for concern, particularly before the new millennium
Millennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
. Miss Nigeria 1993 Janet Fataye told an interviewer: "People thought I was raking in all the money there was, but that wasn't the case. The prize money at the time was a mere N12,000, given to me at N1,000 a month. Yes, I got the car prize that was being serviced by Daily Times, but then I had to buy petrol!"
Rita Anuku, who won the contest in 1986, has stated "I think they have commercialized the whole affair; it is no longer what it used to be. It was something that people looked forward to. People wanted to [go] there, feel happy and see the right person being chosen and congratulated the person happily. But now, I guess they are looking for something else and not beauty at all."
Scandals
Several contestants have been caught forging their dates of birth to compete (as of 2010, the age limit is twenty-six). In 1977, it was discovered that Toyin Monney, who was also a secret single mother, had concealed information about her actual age; although she was not dethroned, she was not allowed to represent her country at Miss World. 2001 finalist Jane Povi Gam-Dede, who claimed she was twenty-three, had competed as a 27-year-old in 2000 before deciding to participate the following year as an even younger contestant.The most famous age-scandal contestant is Miss Nigeria 2001, thirty-year-old Valerie Peterside, who had not only lied about her actual age (she had told organisers she was twenty-five), but had also forged her university qualifications (she was reportedly expelled from the Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University
Ahmadu Bello University is the largest university in Nigeria and second largest in Africa, second only to Cairo University, Egypt. It is situated in Zaria. It was founded on October 4, 1962 as the University of Northern Nigeria....
prior to graduation due to examination malpractice) and NYSC certificates. Following and investigation carried out by several prominent Nigerians including former Daily Times editor Tony Momoh
Tony Momoh
Prince Tony Momoh is a Nigerian journalist and politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.-Birth and education:...
and former Miss Western Nigeria Julie Coker, a decision was made to dethrone the newly crowned queen. Peterside, who had competed the previous year (still as a 25-year-old) and featured in the movie Millionares Are Saints, fought to keep the crown, but was forced out, allowing first runner-up Amina Ekpo to take over.
Despite her popularity as Miss Nigeria 2002, International Relations
International relations
International relations is the study of relationships between countries, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations , international nongovernmental organizations , non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations...
graduate Sylvia Edem attracted further media attention when it was rumoured she had forged her date of birth to compete, like Peterside before her. It was believed that Edem was thirty years old, until an investigation confirmed she was twenty-three.
Miss Nigeria 1981 Tokunboh Onanuga was demoted after a flaw was discovered on her WAEC certificate.
In 1990, fashion
Fashion
Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person...
student Binta Sukai
Binta Sukai
Binta Sukai is a Nigerian fashion consultant.Sukai's parents divorced when she was a child. She was raised by her Scottish grandparents in the United Kingdom where she was educated, but occasionally lived with her mother in Nigeria. She first came to the limelight when she was crowned Miss Nigeria...
, who is of mixed heritage (her mother is half-Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
), attracted criticism from the public who questioned her nationality and eligibility to compete.
Return of Miss Nigeria
In 2010, it was announced that Miss Nigeria would be re-introduced under new organisers AOE Events and Entertainment, marketing firm Azzagai Limited, and financial consultants Hudson Consulting Group. As with Miss AmericaMiss America
The Miss America pageant is a long-standing competition which awards scholarships to young women from the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands...
, the pageant was re-launched as a programme providing scholarships to institutions of higher learning. In addition to the scholarship, prizes include a luxury car, N3,000,000, one year accommodation in Lagos, and designer wardrobe. Screening for potential contestant are now held in various Nigerian cities, and the first time ever, abroad.
The swimsuit segment has now been discontinued, and while beauty is still a requirement, organisers will now focus mainly on other attributes while combining vintage
Retro
Retro is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again. The use of "retro" style iconography and imagery interjected into post-modern art, advertising, mass media, etc...
glamour with modern elegance.
Winners will no longer represent Nigeria at international pageants, but will now work for the Miss Nigeria Foundation, and the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria through the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Health and Women Affairs, while also making herself available to work on special projects on behalf of International Non- governmental Organizations such as WHO and One International.
Miss Nigeria now includes a reality show which sees potential contestants compete in various tasks with the public voting for their favourite.
Title holders
Past winners and contestants have used the pageant as a launch pad for careers in music (Janet Fateye), fashion (Binta Sukai, Rosemary Okeke), acting (Rosemary Anieze, Omasan Buwa), and broadcasting (Bibiana Ohio). However, the whereabouts of most of the winners is unknown, as most have faded into obscurity.| Year | Title Holder | State of Origin | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Grace Oyelude | Northern Region | Practised nursing Nursing Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death.... ; now retired |
|
| 1958 | Helen Anyamaeluna | Eastern Region | Qualified as secretary | |
| 1959 | Nene Etule | N/A | Now Nene Malafa; married to former Camerounian ambassador to Nigeria Penuel Malafa; | |
| 1960 | Rosemary Anieze also known as "Miss Independence" | Mid-Western Region | Later Rosemary Anieze-Adams; worked as broadcaster Broadcasting Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio visual medium. Receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset of thereof... and featured in sitcom The New Village Headmaster |
|
| 1961 | Clara Emefiena | |||
| 1962 | Yemi Idowu | Western Region | Now Yemi Majekodunmi; was semi-finalist at Miss United Nations | |
| 1963 | Alice Aleebe | |||
| 1964 | Edna Park | Lagos | First - and last - official Miss Nigeria at Miss Universe | |
| 1965 | Anna Eboweime | Mid-Western Region | Now Anna Ode, currently spokesperson for the Elixir range in Nigeria | |
| 1966 | NOT HELD | |||
| 1967 | Rosaline Balogun | Western Region | ||
| 1968 | Foluke Ogundipe | Western Region | ||
| 1969 | Stella Owivri | |||
| 1972 | Victoria Bamidele | |||
| 1977 | Toyin Monney | |||
| 1978 | Irene Omagbemi | |||
| 1979 | Helen Prest | Bendel | Later Helen-Prest Davis and now Helen Prest-Ajayi, currently an author Author An author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:... and columnist Columnist A columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs.... |
|
| 1980 | Syster Jack | Currently residing in America | ||
| 1981 | Tokunbo Onanuga | |||
| 1982 | Rita Martins | |||
| 1984 | Cynthia Oronsaye | |||
| 1985 | Rosemary Okeke | Later Rosemary Wright; worked as model, now fashion designer | ||
| 1986 | Rita Anuku | Bendel | Sister of actor Hank Anuku; now a business Business A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit... woman in Abuja Abuja Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is located in the centre of Nigeria, within the Federal Capital Territory . Abuja is a planned city, and was built mainly in the 1980s. It officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991, replacing Lagos... |
|
| 1987 | Stella Okoye | Imo | Attended catering Catering Catering is the business of providing foodservice at a remote site or a site such as a hotel, public house , or other location.-Mobile catering:A mobile caterer serves food directly from a vehicle or cart that is designed for the purpose... school Dof Institute |
|
| 1988 | Wunmi Adebowale | |||
| 1989 | NOT HELD | |||
| 1990 | Binta Sukai Binta Sukai Binta Sukai is a Nigerian fashion consultant.Sukai's parents divorced when she was a child. She was raised by her Scottish grandparents in the United Kingdom where she was educated, but occasionally lived with her mother in Nigeria. She first came to the limelight when she was crowned Miss Nigeria... |
Kaduna | First Northern winner; now fashion Fashion Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person... reality show judge |
|
| 1991 | Bibiana Ohio | Pursued acting Drama Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a... career, now presenter with Kiss FM Abuja |
||
| 1992 | NOT HELD | |||
| 1993 | Janet Fateye | Now Janet Gabriel; briefly featured in serial Mega Fortunes; currently pursuing music career with band Neophonics in United Kingdom United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... |
||
| 1994 | Clara Ojo | Edo | ||
| 1998 | Regina Nwabunar | Abia | ||
| 1999 | NOT HELD | |||
| 2000 | Vien Tetsola also known as the "Millennium Queen" | Delta | Sister of singer Dude Tetsola; founder of Africalert | |
| 2001 | Valerie Peterside dethroned | Rivers | Dethroned for forging age and qualifications, whereabouts unknown | |
| 2001 | Amina Ekpo replaced Peterside | Akwa Ibom | First South-Eastern title holder; now resides in America, founder of organisation Touching Tender Hearts | |
| 2002 | Sylvia Edem | Cross River | Now Sylvia Emechete; first South-Eastern winner | |
| 2003 | Nwando Okwosa | Anambra | Later joined British Army British Army The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England... |
|
| 2004 | Ene Lawani | Benue | Longest reign in the pageant history; now fashion designer | |
| 2010 | Damilola Agbajor | Delta | ||
| 2011 | Feyijimi Sodipo | Ogun |
Unlike MBGN, Miss Nigeria organisers did not host pageants every year. This is expected to change after 2010.
Other notable contestants
- Julie Coker (1958) - Former Newsreader
- Joan Okorodudu (1981) - Fashion Designer
- Omasan BuwaOmasan BuwaOmasan Tokurbo Buwa is a Nigerian lawyer and magazine columnist, currently working as a government official in Delta State.Buwa was born in England, but moved to her native Nigeria with her parents at the age of seven. In 1987, she rose to national fame in Nigeria when she represented Warri in the...
(1986) - Politician and colunmist - Sylvia Nduka (2010) - Current MBGN
- Linda Ikeji (2003) - Model and blogger
- Ufuoma EjenoborUfuoma EjenoborUfuoma Stacey Ejenobor is a Nollywood Actress, Presenter and Model based in Nigeria.Ufuoma Stacey Ejenobor /pronounced "oof-oh-ma, stay-see, edge-air-no-bore"/ Best Actress nominee at the Monte Carlo Television Festival 2010 is a highly celebrated Nollywood actress and model based in Nigeria...
(2004) - Actress - Ibinabo Fiberesinma (1991) - Actress
- Queen Nwokeye (?) - Actress
Unofficial title holders
- In 1963, Gina Onyejiaka sponsored herself at Miss World after Nigeria failed to send Miss Nigeria winner Alice Aleebe; the High Commission in the United Kingdom refused to acknowledge Onyejiaka as the country's representative.
- In 1966, Miss World organisers disqualified mother-of-two Uzor Okafor as she was not the official Miss Nigeria - no contest had been held that year. Okafor had been persuaded to represent her country by her BritishUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
husband.
- Due to the Nigerian Civil warNigerian Civil WarThe Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, 6 July 1967–15 January 1970, was a political conflict caused by the attempted secession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra...
, no contest was held in 1969, yet Morenkike Faribidio was sent to represent Nigeria at Miss World that year.
Crossovers
Contestants who previously competed - or would later compete - at other beauty pageants:- Former Miss Western Nigeria Julie Coker - who is often wrongly described as the very first Miss Nigeria - competed in 1958, but finished second.
- MBGN 1987 Omasan BuwaOmasan BuwaOmasan Tokurbo Buwa is a Nigerian lawyer and magazine columnist, currently working as a government official in Delta State.Buwa was born in England, but moved to her native Nigeria with her parents at the age of seven. In 1987, she rose to national fame in Nigeria when she represented Warri in the...
was a Miss Nigeria finalist in 1987.
- Miss Nigeria 1993 Janet Fateye had competed in MBGN 1992 as Kemi Fateye, where she placed second.
- Miss Nigeria 2002 Sylvia Edem was an MBGN finalist in 1998; she had also been a finalist at the Lux Photo Beauty Contest in 1999 .
- Miss Nigeria 2004 first runner-up Ufuoma Ejenobor had participated in Miss Commonwealth Nigeria in 2002, where she was named Miss Congeniality. She would later become Miss Earth NigeriaMiss Earth NigeriaMiss Earth Nigeria Is one of the many National franchises for the Miss Earth International Beauty pageants given out by Carousel Productions. This franchise enables her to send delegates from Nigeria to Miss Earth, the third largest pageant in the world....
.
- Former Miss Wonderland Ibinabo Fiberesinma had contested in both Miss Nigeria and MBGN
- Among the contestants at the 2010 edition was dance teacher Emmanuella Salako, who had won Miss Nigeria Ireland 2009.
- The current MBGN Sylvia Nduka represented Kaduna at Miss Nigeria 2010 .
- Future Nollywood actress Queen Nwokoye had competed in Miss Royal Crown and Miss Eastern Campus before winning Miss Nigeria Western Zone.
Trivia
- In 2003, the first-runner-up, PharmacyPharmacyPharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
student Ewemade Ogbebor was chosen to represent Nigeria in Miss EarthMiss EarthMiss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness. Miss Earth is also one of the most publicized beauty contests in the world....
. The following year, FrenchFrench languageFrench is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
undergraduate and future Nollywood actress Ufuoma EjenoborUfuoma EjenoborUfuoma Stacey Ejenobor is a Nollywood Actress, Presenter and Model based in Nigeria.Ufuoma Stacey Ejenobor /pronounced "oof-oh-ma, stay-see, edge-air-no-bore"/ Best Actress nominee at the Monte Carlo Television Festival 2010 is a highly celebrated Nollywood actress and model based in Nigeria...
, also a first runner-up, was sent to Miss EarthMiss Earth 2004Miss Earth 2004, the 4th edition of Miss Earth beauty pageant, took place at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines on October 24, 2004...
. Both were mentored by Ibinabo Fiberesima, who had placed second in Miss Nigeria 1991.