Nigeria has a new beauty queen as Onyinyechi Basil emerged winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 crown at a star-studded finale held on Saturday, August 30, at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos. The 25-year-old triumphed over 20 other contestants after excelling in the swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer segments, where she impressed judges and the audience alike with her confidence, eloquence, and strong advocacy.
Basil, who hails from Anambra State, succeeds Chidimma Adetshina and will now represent Nigeria at the 74th Miss Universe pageant scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 20. Her win marks yet another milestone for Anambra, a state with a growing reputation for producing beauty queens who are celebrated not only for their elegance but also for their voices on social and cultural issues.
During her crowning moment, Basil outlined her advocacy platform centered on women’s education and empowerment. She pledged to use her reign to inspire young Nigerian girls to embrace their ambitions while staying rooted in their cultural heritage. “I want young girls to know that they can be more, achieve more, and still celebrate their cultural identity,” she declared, receiving a standing ovation.
Her victory comes with not only the honor of representing Nigeria globally but also a package of rewards, including a yet-to-be-disclosed cash prize, gifts, brand endorsements, paid appearances, and extensive training opportunities to prepare her for international competitions. Basil is expected to use these platforms to amplify her message and expand her advocacy across Nigeria and beyond.
As anticipation builds for the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, Basil’s triumph has sparked excitement nationwide, with many Nigerians hopeful she will bring home the global crown. Her journey now shifts from the national stage to the international spotlight, where she aims to showcase Nigeria’s beauty, talent, and cultural diversity to the world.
