Edo State-born Sectra Sede Okundaye, representing Zamfara, emerged as 1st Runner Up and Miss Supranational Nigeria.
By Helena Olori
Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2017, Ugochi Mitchel Ihezue, has recorded a historic feat in Nigerian pageantry as she was crowned the winner of the maiden edition of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2023 Pageant, becoming the first contestant to win both pageants.
Ihezue, who represents Imo State, outshone 36 contestants with her elegance, coupled with her remarkable physical attributes which include a towering height of 6.3 feet, a waist measuring 28 inches, hips of 41 inches, and her alluring brown eyes.
Besides being a former MBGN, the 27-year-old beauty queen who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, boasts of an impressive profile such as Top 5 Elite Model Look Nigeria 2015, Top 15 Miss World 2017 and Miss World Top Model 2017. As the newly crowned queen, she will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to take place in El Salvador this December.
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Securing the 1st Runner-Up position is Edo-born Sectra Sede Okundaye, representing Zamfara, who was also named Miss Supranational Nigeria, while Miss Borno, Chinaza Miracle, emerged as Miss Amity.
Precious Marcus Chinah representing Taraba state and Nana Aisha Abubakar representing Nasarawa state took home the awards for Best Traditional Costume and Miss Photogenic, respectively.
According to Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group, the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant aligns more closely with the evolving criteria of the Miss Universe organisation and is an all-inclusive competition that reflects a shift towards greater inclusivity and the recognition of evolving beauty standards, away from Westernised standards.
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The grand finale of the pageant, organised by Silverbird Group, took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, to redefine the concept of beauty and influence by embracing young Nigerian women aged 18 to 28 irrespective of their status, body type, colour, height, or weight.
The contest marks a significant departure from the traditional Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, establishing Miss Universe Nigeria as an independent entity.