Image Credit: Empexy
The event started with a rendition of the National Anthem by Kaline, after which the show opened with the Miss Nigeria contestants in white shirts, black pants and bow ties doing a dance performance of Maroon 5’s “Move Like Jagger”.
The host, Wunika gave the opening speech. She welcomed guests and acknowledged the presence of the 1st lady of Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola.
The 5 Judges for the competition were Prof. Ebun Clark, Mrs Wunmi, Tony Akiotu, the General Managing Director of Daar communications, Catherine Ifejika, Derin Osoba and Dr Bello Osagie.
The finalists returned on stage for the parade of traditional wears. There was a solo performance by Tuface(Tubaba); a rendition of ‘Implication’ with a mix of ‘African Queen’. Wunika returned on stage, thanked all the sponsors of the pageant and then ushered in the 20 finalists in their evening wears designed and manufactured by Vlisco. The Vlisco collection was brilliant with lots of asymmetrics, long flowy, edgy sleeves, and frills. Miss Delta was decorated Miss Congeniality, while Miss Anambra was awarded Miss photogenic. Miss African Hostess was given to Miss Akwa Ibom and the best traditional wear was won by Miss Benue.
The Top 5 contestants, Miss Anambra, Miss Bauchi, Miss Edo, Miss Benue and Miss Rivers, were called up to answer questions. “Is beauty skin deep?” Miss Edo State was asked. Miss Anambra was asked which 3 historical people she would spend the day with if given the chance. She listed Flora Shaw, Mary Slessor, and Nelson Mandela. Miss Rivers revealed plans to tackle unemployment if she was crowned queen, while Miss Benue said she would look into the state of orphans in her state as statistics show that Benue has the highest rate of orphans in Nigeria. Miss Ogun was asked the big one; “what is global warming?” She gave a fluent, well thought-out answer on encouraging the use of biodegradable materials. There was a lot of suspense leading up to the announcement of the winner.
After much deliberation, Miss Edo was awarded 2nd runner up, then Miss Benue, 1st runner up. Finally, Miss Ogun, Feyijimi Sodipo, a 21-year-old student was crowned Miss Nigeria 2011.
Sodipo will be the Queen Ambassador and, during her reign, will to implement several projects in collaboration with the Federal and State governments, and also private organisations. Sodipo, in her acceptance speech, thanked the organisers of the event, Chief Nike Osinowo-Soleye, sponsors, her family and finally, God.
