The Miss Nigeria organization has unveiled the 18 finalists for the 44th Miss Nigeria grand finale slated for the 17th of December at the Landmark Event Center.
The unveiling cocktail which took place at the KIA Showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event had celebrities such as Osas Ighodaro, Uti Nwachukwu, Denrele Edun, Alex Unusual, Anto Lecky, Mike Edwards, and the 43rd Miss Nigeria, Beauty Etsanyi Tukura amongst others in attendance. See photos and more from that event HERE.
From thousands of applications received, the number was pruned down to the top 37 and an additional 3 wildcard semi-finalists. The general public then got a chance to contribute to the process of choosing the 21 finalists who made it into the Miss Nigeria Bootcamp. The number has been further cut down to the top 18 finalists who will be going into the finale. Said Chioma Nwigwe, manager of the Miss Nigeria organization.
The grand finale of the 44th Miss Nigeria pageant will see one of the finalists not only become the 44th Miss Nigeria. The winner will also walk away with N10 million, a brand new car, 1-year residency in a luxury apartment. She will also get lucrative brand ambassadorship opportunities.
Selected from different states across Nigeria, the top 18 contestants for the 44th Miss Nigeria have proven to be the most diverse and inclusive finalist group of any pageant competition in the history of Nigeria. According to the organizers, this is a well-thought-out move that continues to cement the Miss Nigeria legacy as more than a beauty pageant but a platform for the empowerment and advancement of today’s young Nigerian woman.
Meet the top 18 finalists who will compete to become the next Miss Nigeria:
1. Moyato Ogundiran (South-West Zone)
Moyato Ogundiran is 23 years old and has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is a prolific writer and is very passionate about mental health.
2. Opaluwa Emidowo-Ojo (North Central Zone):
Opaluwa Emidowo-Ojo is a 22-year-old software engineer, aesthetician, technical writer, and industrial chemist. She is a passionate proponent against sexual and gender-based violence via media advocacy.
3. Oluwadamilola Faith Akindolire (Southwest Zone):
Oluwadamilola is a 22-year-old graduate of Chemistry from Ondo state. She is a jovial, positive-minded person who loves learning new things. Oluwadamilola is passionate about creating awareness of sexual exploitation.
4. Sylvia Ibe (South East Zone)
Sylvia Ibe is a 22-year-old student and an entrepreneur, who runs a clothing line as well as a food business. She is passionate about mental health and suicide prevention in young adults.
5. Nicole Ikot (South-South Zone): 2
Nicole Ikot is a 1-year-old graduate of international relations and diplomacy. She loves traveling, learning new things, and spending time with family. Nicole wishes for a Nigeria free of tribalism.
6. Anthonia Ayomide Domingo (South West Zone)
Anthonia is a 24-year old graduate of international relations and social works. She enjoys singing, fashion styling and has a passion for helping people.
7. Karina Oguara (South-South Zone)
Karina is a 22-year-old graduate of international relations. She is passionate about helping vulnerable children in Nigeria and leaving a long-standing impact on society.
8. Abubakar Halima Yahaya (North East Zone):
Halima is a 25-year-old pharmacist, mental health advocate, and writer from Bauchi State. She loves traveling, writing, music and is always positive.
9. Kasarachi Okoro (North West Zone):
Kasarachi is a 22-year old student currently majoring in business administration. Her favorite pastime is reading. She is passionate about pushing for positive mentorship and motivation of young girls across the nation.
10. Ugonna Chigozie Eronini (South-East Zone):
Chigozie is a 23-year-old graduate of information management technology. She is driven, ambitious and passionate about children and the financial empowerment of women. Particularly through education, tech, and creativity.
11. Nghargbu Kunkwle Grace:
Grace is a 26-year-old DJ and graduate of Mass Communication. She is a multi talented creative who is passionate about impacting the lives of people and making a difference.
12. Malate Adamu (North East Zone)
Malate is a 24-year old undergraduate studying Law at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State. She loves to be a reliable source of inspiration to people and enjoys traveling, reading, and writing poems.
13. Sheerah Bala (North West Zone):
Sheerah is a 23-year old graduate of Mass Communication. She is a social person, exceptional at handling difficult situations. Sheerah is passionate about improving the lives of children living with disabilities.
14. Chidinma Jane (South-South Zone):
Chidinma is a 22-year-old 4th-year medical student. She loves traveling and has visited 14 countries. Chidinma is passionate about helping people and improving health care practices within Nigeria.
15. Jemimah Ugiagbe (South-South Zone)
Jemimah is a 26-year-old graduate who specializes in early childhood education. She loves expressing herself and experiences through writing, adding value, and solving problems. Jemimah is passionate about education.
16. Shatu Garko (North West region Zone)
Shatu is an 18-year-old Hijabi model who loves riding horses. Garko is passionate about proving that religion and culture are not barriers to following one’s dreams, and achieving whatever a person sets out to achieve.
17. Uche Udezue South East Zone):
Uche is a 24-year-old graduate of Caritas University. She is fun-loving and loves meeting new people. Uche is ambitious, goal-driven, and committed to whatever she puts her mind to.
18. Adolph Chinonyerem Jennifer (South-East Zone)
Jennifer is a 24-year old graduate of History and International Relations. She is multifaceted, teachable, and an all-around loving person. Jennifer loves to travel, exceed personal set goals and be happy. She is passionate about ending child labour in Nigeria.
Follow Miss Nigeria on social media for real-time updates, using the hashtag #MissNigeria.