Anambra State has made history in Nigeria’s pageant scene, producing winners of the country’s two biggest international crowns in one weekend.
Faith Ekwebenam, representing Anambra, was crowned Miss International Nigeria 2025 at the grand finale on Sunday. She will now fly Nigeria’s flag at the 63rd Miss International pageant, scheduled for 27 November 2025 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
Ekwebenam outshone contestants from across the country, with Miss Lagos finishing as first runner-up, while Miss Bauchi, Miss Edo, Miss Cross River, and Miss Nasarawa placed second to fifth runners-up. Her victory continues Nigeria’s steady presence at the prestigious global contest, following Perpetual Ukadike’s participation in 2024.
The Miss International pageant, one of the world’s “Big Four” beauty competitions, emphasizes beauty, poise, cultural exchange, and advocacy. Ekwebenam is expected to champion projects showcasing Nigeria’s heritage while promoting international goodwill.
In a parallel triumph, Onyinyechi Basil, also from Anambra, clinched the Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 crown at a separate contest in Lagos. Basil defeated Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, in a tense final face-off, with Miss Bayelsa, Fortune Kurobo, and Miss Ogun, Irene Ikediashi, finishing as second and third runners-up.
The dual wins have sparked excitement among pageant enthusiasts, as Anambra now holds both of Nigeria’s top international titles — a feat hailed as unprecedented.
With Ekwebenam preparing for Miss International in Japan and Basil gearing up for Miss Universe later this year, attention now turns to how Nigeria will perform on the global stage in 2025.
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