LAGOS: Faith Ekwebenam, representing Anambra State, has been crowned Miss International Nigeria 2025, securing her place as the nation’s delegate to the 63rd Miss International Pageant, scheduled for November 27, 2025, at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
The grand finale, held on Sunday, showcased dazzling performances and fierce competition, with Ekwebenam ultimately emerging victorious. She will now take over the mantle from Perpetual Ukadike, who represented Nigeria in the 2024 edition of the prestigious global contest.
At the close of the event, Miss Lagos was named first runner-up, while Miss Bauchi, Miss Edo, Miss Cross River, and Miss Nasarawa finished as second to fifth runners-up respectively.
Considered one of the world’s Big Four beauty competitions, the Miss International pageant emphasizes cultural diplomacy, elegance, and social advocacy alongside traditional pageantry.
Ekwebenam is expected to champion initiatives that celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage and promote goodwill on the international stage.
In a remarkable twist for Anambra, the state has now taken center stage in Nigerian pageantry. Just days earlier, Onyinyechi Basil, also representing Anambra, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 in Lagos. Basil edged out Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, in a nail-biting finale to claim the crown.
Miss Bayelsa, Fortune Kurobo, placed as second runner-up, while Miss Ogun, Irene Ikediashi, secured the third runner-up spot.
The dual victories have been hailed as historic, with Anambra now holding both of Nigeria’s most prestigious beauty titles for 2025. Pageant enthusiasts and industry insiders describe the feat as unprecedented in the nation’s history.
With Ekwebenam heading to Miss International in Japan and Basil preparing for Miss Universe later this year, attention has now shifted to how Nigeria will perform on the world stage.
Pageant watchers say the country’s double win has raised expectations and renewed hopes for global recognition.
