By Jemi Ekunkunbor

The search for who wears the Miss Nigeria crown 2016, ended Monday in Lagos when 21 year old Chioma Stephanie Obiadi from Anambra State, emerged winner of the keenly contested pageant. Standing at 5’11 with statistics 36, 28, 38, Chioma beat 35 other contestants from other states and the Federal capital Territory to emerge winner of the 40^th edition of the oldest Nigerian pageant.

The 16-man celebrity-studded panel of judges, gave second place and third place to 21 year old Blessing Obila from Ebonyi State, and 25 year old Shade Olalere from Kwara State respectively.

Christmas couldn’t be merrier for Chioma who by her victory, received a brand new Hyundai Grand Accent from Studio 24, an all-expense paid trip courtesy Air France, one year free accommodation, complete style and beauty make over and three million Naira.

This edition called the Rubby edition and compared by Comedian AY and Kemi Lala Akindoju, featured a rich display of Nigerian culture in dances and fashion. Contestants paid tribute to the Binis who recently crowned a new king as they put up a sterling performance decked in the traditional bini red cloth and coral beads.

In a remark, former governor of Ogun State, Aremu Segun Osoba, while describing Daily Times organizers of Miss Nigeria pageant as an institution, he berated Nigerians for the lack of respect and neglect of institutions and national monuments which he described as Heritage that Nigeria should preserve siting Carter Bridge as an example. Miss Nigeria according to him is one of such institutions that has been preserved having begun since 1959.

For the Publisher, Mr Fidelix Anosike, Miss Nigeria is a “Platform for empowering young women and to give them a voice”.

The new queen will go on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Intercontinental pageant next year as she works on the Green-Girl project; a community development initiative aimed at empowering young women to become facilitators of sustainable practices towards ensuring a clean and peaceful environment.