Where Are These 7 Nigerian Beauty Queens Who Made History?

For decades, Nigerian beauty queens have captured hearts and represented the country on global stages, winning prestigious titles and showcasing the nation’s rich culture. But what happens after the pageantry, the glitz, and the cameras fade? 

While some seamlessly transition into new careers, others step away from the limelight altogether to have a separate and quiet life. Here’s a look at some Nigerian beauty queens who made history and where they are now.

Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu (Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 1986)

Lynda Chuba-Ikpeazu holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first-ever Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), winning the title in 1986. She later went on to be crowned Miss Africa in 1987. However, her career didn’t stop at pageantry.

After her reign, Lynda ventured into business and later joined politics. She has served multiple terms as a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing Onitsha North and South. 

Currently, she is the Chairperson of the House Committee on Maritime Safety and Education. Beyond politics, she is also a businesswoman and philanthropist, actively shaping Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

Adenike Asabi Oshinowo (Miss Nigeria, 1990)

Nike Oshinowo is not just a former beauty queen, she is an icon. Crowned Miss Nigeria in 1990, she remained in the public eye long after her reign, becoming a businesswoman, television host, and advocate for women’s health.

Nike, who has openly spoken about her battle with endometriosis, became a mother at the age of 47 through surrogacy. She also acquired the Miss Nigeria franchise in 2010 and ran it for two years. Today, she remains active in the beauty and fashion industry while running AOE Events & Entertainment Ltd.

Regina Askia-Williams (Miss Nigeria, 1989)

Regina Askia’s journey is one of the most fascinating transformations from beauty queen to Nollywood star and later a medical professional. She initially won the Miss Unilag title in 1988 and became MBGN’s first runner-up. When Bianca Onoh stepped down, Regina took over the MBGN title in 1989.

She later ventured into acting, becoming a household name in Nollywood in the 1990s. However, Regina left the entertainment industry behind to pursue a nursing career in the United States. Today, she is a registered nurse, working in the healthcare sector while also advocating for better medical services, particularly for African communities.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Miss Intercontinental & Miss Africa, 1989)

Bianca Ojukwu is perhaps one of the most politically influential Nigerian beauty queens. She won MBGN, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental in 1989, making her one of the most decorated queens in Nigerian history.

During her reign, she became involved with the former Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whom she later married. Following his passing in 2011, Bianca pursued a career in politics and diplomacy. 

She has served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana and Spain, as well as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In 2024, she was appointed as the Federal Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Munachi Abii (Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 2007)

Munachi Abii’s journey is proof that beauty queens can reinvent themselves in different industries. After winning MBGN in 2007, she pursued a career in music under the name “Muna.” She has since worked as a rapper, songwriter, and music producer, collaborating with some of Nigeria’s biggest artists.

Although she has taken a step back from the music industry in recent years, Munachi remains active in entertainment, occasionally appearing on TV and social media. She also dabbles in creative directing and is passionate about empowering young women in the arts.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi (Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 2005)

Omowunmi Akinnifesi won MBGN in 2005 and later represented Nigeria at Miss World. But she didn’t stop at pageantry—she went on to become an entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and media personality.

She holds a degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos and was appointed an environmental ambassador by the Lagos State Government. Omowunmi also runs a lifestyle and public relations company. To this day, she remains an influential figure in the fashion and business world.

Helen Prest-Ajayi (Miss Nigeria, 1979)

Helen Prest-Ajayi’s elegance and intelligence made her one of Nigeria’s most respected beauty queens. After winning Miss Nigeria in 1979, she represented the country in global beauty competitions, including Miss World.

Unlike many former beauty queens who faded from the spotlight, Helen has remained relevant for decades. She is a lawyer, writer, and entrepreneur, holding an LLB and LLM from King’s College London. She is also the creative director of a media business and a public speaker advocating for women’s empowerment.