Nigerian lawyer and model Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah, who represented the South-South region, has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant.

The 45th edition of this annual beauty contest, themed “Beyond Beauty: Reigning Together as Queens,” took place on the night of December 19 at the Royal Box in Victoria Island, Lagos.

A total of 45 beauty queens participated in the competition, from which 20 semifinalists were selected to compete for the crown. Ultimately, 10 finalists were chosen: Ann Eneanya, Abosede Sorinola, Oluwatofunmi Adekola, Praise Obafemi, Diane Paul, Simeon Obianujuwa, Faith Ogbele, Divine Nelson, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Ogah.

The top 10 finalists were narrowed down to five after engaging in a question-and-answer session. The question posed was, “If you win your crown tonight, how will you use your platform to address the challenges faced by Nigerian youths?” The five finalists who progressed were Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Diane Paul, Oluwabukumi Ogunsanya, and Doris Ogah.

After the judges posed a final question to the top five, Doris Ogah was announced as the winner of the 45th Miss Nigeria. The outgoing 44th Miss Nigeria, Shatu Garko, congratulated her successor and encouraged her to make the most of her reign for the betterment of humanity.

“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.

The panel of judges, led by Mo Abudu, included renowned figures such as designer Mai Atafo, actress Kate Henshaw, and photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi. Other judges included Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche, Olatomiwa Williams, Wunmi Ogunbiyi, Aisha Abba Kyari, actress Ini Edo, TV host Michelle Dede, and former Miss Nigeria Ezinne Akudo Anyaoh.