On Friday night, Shatu Garko made history by becoming the first hijab-wearing model to win the Miss Nigeria contest.
Ms Garko, a Kano State native, was also the year’s youngest contender.
The 18-year-old horse rider triumphed over 18 other hopefuls to be crowned Miss Nigeria 44.
The event took place at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday night.
Miss Nigeria 2021 competed on behalf of the North-West zone.
The contest’s first runner-up was Nicole Ikot, while the second runner-up was Kasarachi Okoro.
At the colourful ceremony, the outgoing queen, Etsanyi Tukura of Taraba State, gave the crown to her successor.
During her speech, the new queen stated that she is dedicated to demonstrating that faith and culture are not impediments to pursuing one’s aspirations and achieving whatever one sets out to accomplish.
She also committed to upholding the Miss Nigeria pageant’s standards.
The eviction process began with almost 1,000 women, who were then cut to 120, who were then invited to a physical audition in Lagos, where they were further reduced to 37, including three wild cards. The number of contestants was reduced to 21 and then to 18 after that.
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