- Miss Nigeria
-
This article is about Miss Nigeria. For rival contest, see Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria.
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.[1]
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.[2][3]
The current title holder is Mass Communication student Damilola Agbajor, from Delta.
Contents
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 swimwear 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.[4]
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.[5] 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.[6][7][8][9]
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.[10]
- Camerounian Nene Etule won the contest in 1959; she was eligible as Southern Cameroon was under Nigerian constitution in the fifties.
- In 1960 the contest was briefly re-named "Miss Independence", as Nigeria had gained its independence from British rule that year. The title holder, future broadcaster and actress Rosemary Anieze, was involved in the Independence Day celebrations.[11]
- Miss Nigeria 1962 Yemi Idowu was a semi-finalist at Miss United Nations 1963.[12]
- 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 1964. Park was carried away by policemen and contest officials before spending the night in a Miami hospital under sedation, where she was consoled by Nneka Onyegbula, wife of the Nigerian ambassador, who reportedly stated: "All the judges are white and they aren’t really competent to judge [a] dark girl's beauty". Since Park, no Miss Nigeria has competed at Miss Universe.[13][14] [15]
- 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.[16] In 2011, she was found murdered in her Abuja home.[17]
- 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.[18]
- 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.[19]
- In 2001, Applied Chemistry student and Akwa Ibom 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 International[20].
- Following the success of Agbani Darego in Miss World in 2001, the Daily Times sued MBGN organisers Silverbird Entertainment, claiming that Miss Nigeria possessed sole rights to represent the country at international level and use the name - at international pageant shows, the reigning MBGN - who Daily Times manager Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo famously described as "lowly-rated queens"[21] - uses the "Miss Nigeria" title.[22]
Criticism
The swimsuit parade, a former segment of the live shows, was regarded as a form of nudity[clarification needed]. 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.[23][24] Although Oshinowo-Soleye promised that future winners will be truly representative of Nigerian beauty,[25] the 2010 finalists wore tartan - a pattern associated with Scotland - during the dance segment[clarification needed].
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?".[26] 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.[27]
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." [28] Other dark-skinned winners include Clara Ojo (1994), Vien Tetsola (1999), and Regina Nwabunar (1998).[29]
The pageant had been slated for failing to live up to the glamour of MBGN.[30][31] 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!" [32]
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."[33]
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.[34] 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 a 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 prior to graduation due to examination malpractice) and NYSC certificates.[35] 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.[36][37]
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.[38]
Miss Nigeria 1981 Tokunboh Onanuga was demoted after a flaw was discovered on her WAEC certificate.[39][40]
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.[41] As with Miss America, the pageant was re-launched as a programme providing scholarships to institutions of higher learning.[42] 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.[43]
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.[44][45][46]
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.[47]
Miss Nigeria now includes a reality show which sees potential contestants compete in various tasks with the public voting for their favourite.[48]
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; 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;[49] 1960 Rosemary Anieze also known as "Miss Independence" Mid-Western Region Later Rosemary Anieze-Adams; worked as broadcaster 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 [50] 1966 NOT HELD 1967 Rosaline Balogun Western Region 1968 Foluke Ogundipe Western Region 1969 Stella Owivri[51] 1972 Victoria Bamidele 1977 Toyin Monney 1978 Irene Omagbemi 1979 Helen Prest[52] Bendel Later Helen-Prest Davis and now Helen Prest-Ajayi, currently an author and columnist 1980 Syster Jack Currently residing in America 1981 Tokunbo Onanuga 1982 Rita Martins 1984 Cynthia Oronsaye 1985 Rosemary Okeke[53] Later Rosemary Wright; worked as model, now fashion designer[54] 1986 Rita Anuku Bendel Sister of actor Hank Anuku; now a businesswoman in Abuja 1987 Stella Okoye Imo Attended catering school Dof Institute 1988 Wunmi Adebowale 1989 NOT HELD 1990 Binta Sukai Kaduna First Northern winner; now fashion reality show judge[55] 1991 Bibiana Ohio Pursued acting 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[56] 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 [57] 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 [58] 2002 Sylvia Edem[59] Cross River Now Sylvia Emechete; first South-Eastern winner 2003 Nwando Okwosa Anambra Later joined British Army 2004 Ene Lawani[60] Benue Longest reign in the pageant history; now fashion designer[61] 2010 Damilola Agbajor Delta 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 [62]
- Omasan Buwa (1986) - Politician and colunmist
- Sylvia Nduka (2010) - Current MBGN
- Linda Ikeji (2003) - Model and blogger
- Ufuoma Ejenobor (2004) - Actress
- Ibinabo Fiberesinma (1991) - Actress
- Queen Nwokeye (?) - Actress [63]
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.[64]
- 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 British husband.
- Due to the Nigerian Civil war, no contest was held in 1969, yet Morenkike Faribidio was sent to represent Nigeria at Miss World that year.[65]
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.[66]
- MBGN 1987 Omasan Buwa 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 [67].
- 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 Nigeria [68].
- Former Miss Wonderland Ibinabo Fiberesinma had contested in both Miss Nigeria and MBGN [69]
- 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 [70].
- 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, Pharmacy student Ewemade Ogbebor was chosen to represent Nigeria in Miss Earth. The following year, French undergraduate and future Nollywood actress Ufuoma Ejenobor, also a first runner-up, was sent to Miss Earth. Both were mentored by Ibinabo Fiberesima, who had placed second in Miss Nigeria 1991.[71][72][73]
References
- ^ Miss Nigeria 2001
- ^ The Return of Miss Nigeria
- ^ Re-inventing Miss Nigeria
- ^ Miss Nigeria Pageant Returns
- ^ Miss Nigeria Entertainment!
- ^ Miss Nigeria USA
- ^ Miss Nigeria UK
- ^ Miss Nigeria Holland
- ^ Miss Nigeria Ireland
- ^ 'My Reign As first Miss Nigeria'
- ^ The Return of Miss Nigeria
- ^ Miss United Nations
- ^ Enda Park in Miss Universe
- ^ *Miss Universe 1964
- ^ Ebony Miss Nigeria
- ^ Sugar Mummy Trend
- ^ Barbara Ana Found Dead
- ^ Binta Sukai
- ^ Clara Ojo re-writes family history
- ^ Miss International 2003
- ^ Valerie...The Comeback Kid
- ^ Ekpo sues Agbani
- ^ Miss Nigeria 2001
- ^ Mixed Reactions Trail Return Of Controversial Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant
- ^ Being a beauty queen is huge responsibility
- ^ Miss Nigeria organiser speaks to The Sun
- ^ It’s Not Easy Being A Single Mother –Bibiana Ohio
- ^ I was a tomboy–Omasan Buwa
- ^ Incredible Lives of Beauty Queens
- ^ Miss Silverbird International: Brand extension or brand arrogance?
- ^ A comical review of Miss Nigeria 2004
- ^ Janet Gabriel, Miss Nigeria 1993
- ^ Rita Anuku
- ^ Behold the 'Toronto' queen!
- ^ Peterside Dethroned
- ^ Amina Ekpo is named new Miss Nigeria 2001
- ^ Behold the 'Toronto' queen!
- ^ Sylvia Edem in age scandal
- ^ Senator Obasaju
- ^ Behold the Toronto Queen
- ^ Organisers
- ^ About Miss Nigeria
- ^ Registration
- ^ Miss Nigeria Pageant Returns
- ^ Miss Nigeria 2010
- ^ The return of Miss Nigeria
- ^ Being a Beauty Queen is Huge Responsibility
- ^ After 6 Years, a new queen takes the crown – Damilola Agbajor crowned as Miss Nigeria 2010
- ^ Chief Etule
- ^ Elixir
- ^ Stella Owivri at Miss World
- ^ Helen Ajayi (nee Prest) talks to The Sun
- ^ Rosemary Okeke
- ^ Rosemary Okeke
- ^ Binta Sukai
- ^ Neophonics
- ^ Vien Tetsola
- ^ Touching Tender Hearts
- ^ Sylvia talks to The Sun
- ^ Ene Lawani's mother speaks to The Sun
- ^ Ene Lawani Collection
- ^ Joan Okorodudud
- ^ Queen Nwokoye
- ^ Miss World 1963
- ^ Miss Worls 1969
- ^ Julie Coker
- ^ Interview with Sylvia
- ^ Ufuoma Ejenobor Interview
- ^ Ibinabo Fiberesima: I don’t want to be anybody’s housewife
- ^ Sylvia Nduka Caught Lying
- ^ Too short to be Miss Nigeria!
- ^ Ibinabo Fiberesima
- ^ , http://www.missosology.org/missearth04/unforgettablesnaps.html, retrieved 2005-01-23
See also
Categories:- Beauty pageants
- Beauty pageants in Nigeria
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