Doris Ogah, a 26-year-old Nigerian lawyer and model representing the South-South region, has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant.
The 45th edition of the competition, themed “Beyond Beauty: Reigning Together as Queens”, took place on Thursday evening at the Royal Box in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ms Ogah triumphed over 10 other finalists, including Ann Eneanya, Abosede Sorinola, Oluwatofunmi Adekola, Praise Obafemi, Diane Paul, Simeon Obianujuwa, Faith Ogbele, Divine Nelson, and Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya.
The pageant initially featured 45 contestants, narrowed down to 20 semifinalists before the top 10 were chosen.
The judging panel, chaired by Mo Abudu, included notable figures such as designer Mai Atafo, actress Kate Henshaw, and photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi. Other judges were Dr Adaobi Nwakuche, Olatomiwa Williams, Wunmi Ogunbiyi, Aisha Abba Kyari, actress Ini Edo, TV host Michelle Dede, and former Miss Nigeria Ezinne Akudo Anyaoha.
The final 10 contestants were further reduced to five following a question-and-answer session. They were asked, “If you win your crown tonight, how will you use your platform to address the challenges Nigerian youths face?”
Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Diane Paul, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah advanced to the top five.
After the final round of questioning, the judges declared Doris Ogah as the 45th Miss Nigeria.
The outgoing 44th Miss Nigeria, Shatu Garko, extended her congratulations to Ms Ogah and encouraged her to make the most of her reign to benefit humanity.
“To my successor, congratulations on beginning this incredible chapter. Embrace this journey with an open heart. Your crown is more than a symbol; it is a tool to inspire and uplift others. Trust yourself; you have everything it takes to shine in this role.
“As I hand over this crown, I do so with gratitude and hope for the future. Though my reign ends here, the impact and memories will stay with me forever. This is not a goodbye; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” she said.
Actress Rita Dominic, whose husband, Fidelis Anosike, owns Folio Communications, was announced as the lead organiser of the Miss Nigeria pageant in October 2023. Folio Communications has managed the competition for the past 16 years.
