In a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian beauty pageants, Ugochi Mitchel Ihezue, the former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2017 from Imo State, has been crowned the title of Miss Universe Nigeria 2023.
This achievement establishes her as the first individual to hold both esteemed beauty crowns.
Ihezue emerged victorious amid fierce competition, triumphing over 36 other exceptionally talented contestants to secure the highly sought-after Miss Universe crown. The grand event was held at the prestigious Convention Center of Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Sunday, September 10th.
During the ceremony, Miss Nasarawa earned recognition with the Miss Photogenic award, while Miss Taraba captivated the audience with her stunning presentation in the Best Traditional Costume category.
Meanwhile, Miss Borno was celebrated as the recipient of the Miss Amity award.
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Beyond the glitter and glamour of the pageantry, Ihezue is an advocate for women’s liberation from societal constraints, encouraging them to embrace boundless opportunities.
Her enrolled for MBA program at the Lagos Business School, equipping her with the “knowledge and skills essential for championing women’s empowerment.”
As the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, Ihezue is now poised to represent her nation on the global stage at the Miss Universe 2023 competition, scheduled to be held in El Salvador on November 18th, 2023.
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In 2023, Silverbird Productions breathed new life into Miss Universe Nigeria, differentiating it from MBGN. Guy Murray-Bruce, brother of the renowned Nigerian politician Ben Murray-Bruce, revealed that MUN has embraced a fresh format, emphasizing inclusivity regardless of marital status, body type, skin shade, height, or weight, thus distinguishing it from its Westernised predecessor.