33 contestants vie for Miss Nigeria crown

Thirty-Three contestants from the six geopolitical zones of the country are competing for the 45th Miss Nigeria crown. Miss Nigeria, a yearly pageant, is aimed at showcasing positive attributes of Nigerian women, the culture and the beauty of Nigeria

The winner is expected to portray exemplary qualities whilst serving as a role model to young women in the country. The pageant is currently organised by Daily Times. The current titleholder is 18-year-old hijab model Shatu Garko who represented the Northeast.

Speaking during the Sashing ceremony for the contest, Chairman, Miss Nigeria Board of Directors, Rita Dominic-Anosike, said like many businesses in Nigeria, Miss Nigeria faced challenges that pushed us to innovate and persevere, yet standing, steadfast in its commitment to delivering a show that celebrates excellence while uplifting the beauty, strength, and limitless potential of Nigerian women.

“This year’s theme, Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement, holds special significance. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and honouring the rich diversity of our traditions while actively giving back to the communities that shape us. At its core, Miss Nigeria has always been about more than just a crown; it’s about empowering young women to lead, serve, and inspire.

“I urge our princesses and all young women across Nigeria to embrace the spirit of this theme. Our journey here not just be about the crown, but about the difference they can make. Whether through education, mentorship, or advocacy, their actions can create ripples of transformation that will shape the future.”

“Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for these remarkable young women. We will create an event that showcases the very best of Nigeria, a celebration of culture, community, and the indomitable spirit of our women.

When asked why she decided to take up the contest, Dominic-Anosike, said: “My husband owns Daily Times, and Daily Times own Miss Nigeria, so, my husband felt I could bring something fresh, which I thought about, and I got my business partner on board, and we felt awe could bring our production ideas into pageantry.”

When asked about what Nigerians should be expecting from the show, she said: “We are celebrating our culture and heritage and we want women to participate in politics and also foster good governance. Beauty goes beyond physical, we want women who are intelligent and can go on to do great things at the top level so, Miss Nigeria is an empowerment platform. During their time in the camp, they will go through activities, and visit women who have excelled in different fields.”

Speaking, one of the contestants from the Southwest region, Bukunmi Ogunsanya, said: “I am here to give my absolute best as a contestant. I come prepared because I’ve watched beauty pageant contests over the year and I’ve seen how things work so, I’m in this contest to give my all.

Speaking on the aftermath of the competition, the 26-year-old said: “My advocacy is geared towards maternal and child’s mortality so if I win, it will help me to do more and build on what I’ve been doing in the last two years. My mother e

The contest is supported by Mikano International and its array of companies, Mikano, MTN, See Naija, VCARE, the Folio Group and Chairman Fidelis Anosike for his amazing support, Group CEO, Sandra Iyawa and others.