Moment Doris Ogah Emerged Winner of Miss Nigeria 2024

Yinka Olatunbosun

In a night filled with feminine energy, cultural pride and excitement, Doris Ogah, a 26-year-old lawyer and model representing the South-south region, emerged as the 45th Miss Nigeria. For the grand coronation ceremony held on December 19, 2024, destination was the Royal Box, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which was a showcase of beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage, saw Doris Ogah rise above 44 other contestants to claim the coveted crown. She succeeds Shatu Garko, who left behind a legacy of impact and inspiration during her reign.

The journey began with 20 finalists selected from different geopolitical zones, eventually narrowing down to a top 10 that included: Ann Eneanya, Abosede Sorinola, Oluwatofunmi Adekola, Praise Obafemi, Diane Paul, Simeon Obianujuwa, Faith Ogbele, Divine Nelson, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah.

In a thought-provoking question-and-answer session, the contestants were asked, “If you win your crown tonight, how will you use your platform to address the challenges faced by Nigerian youths?”

From there, Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Diane Paul, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah advanced to the final five. Following another round of engaging responses, the judges crowned Doris Ogah as Miss Nigeria 2024.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant cultural attire showcase, followed by a dance performance by the contestants- a remix performance of the Nigerian National Anthem. Adding to the excitement was an electrifying musical performance by Kcee.

The event was hosted by former beauty queen Adaeze Aduaka, with Beauty Tukura engaging guests on the red carpet.

The panel of judges, led by media mogul Mo Abudu, included prominent personalities like designer Mai Atafo, actress Kate Henshaw, photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi, actress Ini Edo, TV host Michelle Dede, and former Miss Nigeria Ezinne Akudo Anyaoha, among others.

In her farewell speech, Shatu Garko, the 44th Miss Nigeria shared heartfelt advice with her successor.

“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.

“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,” she said.

This year’s competition, spearheaded by Rita Dominic Anosike, Chairman of the Board and owner of Audrey Silva Company (TASC), emphasised unity and cultural representation.

“We want to inspire unity. Regardless of where you are from, it is possible to embrace one another. This pageant is not just about beauty; it’s about strength, intelligence, and national pride,” Dominic said.

The competition began with an open call for participants, where interested individuals registered by filling out forms before taking part in a screening process. From there, judges selected contestants to join a two-week orientation camp. During this camp, they completed tasks to test their skills in various areas and received training to develop entrepreneurial abilities, gain empowerment, and learn about the responsibilities of an ambassador.

In the past, contestants were identified by numbers during live shows. However, in 2010, they began representing Nigerian states instead. For the 2024 pageant, the format changed again, with contestants now representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to promote unity.

For the first time, participants from all regions of the country, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds, are taking part to celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage. Miss Nigeria 2024 is more than a beauty pageant—it is a movement that promotes national unity and provides women with a platform to showcase their strength, intelligence, and cultural pride.

As the new Miss Nigeria 2024, Ogah will enjoy a cash prize, a luxury car, a diamond-encrusted crown, and lucrative endorsement deals. Beyond these rewards, Ogah will embark on a journey to inspire young Nigerians, promote cultural heritage, and advocate for meaningful social causes.

Since its inception in 1957, the Miss Nigeria pageant has been more than just a beauty contest. It has served as a platform for young Nigerian women to grow, inspire, and lead.

This year’s event has set a new standard, focusing on national unity, cultural pride, and empowerment. With Doris Ogah now carrying the crown, the future of Miss Nigeria shines brighter than ever. Universe crown, Adetshina’s journey is far from over. As she hinted at her plans to hit the runway and pursue a career in acting, it is clear that her future holds even more promise.