Doris Ogah, a lawyer representing the South-South region, emerged as the Queen after winning the 45th Miss Nigeria pageant held early Friday in Lagos.
Ogah’s journey to the crown began among the 20 finalists, where she advanced to the top 10 alongside Ann Eneanya, Abosede Sorinola, Oluwatofunmi Adekola, Praise Obafemi, Diane Paul, Simeon Obianujuwa, Faith Ogbele, Divine Nelson, and Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya.
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The competition intensified as the top 10 finalists participated in a question and answer session, where they were asked, “If you win your crown tonight, how will you use your platform to address the challenges faced by Nigerian youths?” The responses narrowed the contestants to the top five finalists: Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Diane Paul, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah.
Following the final round, the judges declared Ogah the winner, crowning her as the 45th Miss Nigeria.
In her farewell speech, the outgoing 44th Miss Nigeria, Shatu Garko, congratulated Ogah and encouraged her to make the most of her reign.
“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 because you have everything it takes to shine in this role,” Garko said.
She added, “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.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Miss Nigeria pageant board, Rita Dominic Anosike, emphasized that the competition celebrates cultural heritage and fosters national unity.
“We celebrate cultural heritage and community engagement, the feeling that reminds us of beauty in our diversity and strength refined when we come together as one. In our world where there is division, we must remember the power of unity.
“Together, these contestants embody a vibrant fabric woven with creativity, resilience, and progress, reminding us that our strength lies in unity,” Anosike said.