Autumn is well and truly the UK African community’s beauty pageant season and several glamorous events have already taken place over the past few weeks including Miss Black Africa UK, Miss Ghana UK and Miss West Africa UK.
Last week, a twist on the usual beauty pageants made its way to King’s Cross’s Camden Hall, where Mr and Miss Nigeria UK were crowned.
20-year-old Bisi and 25 year-old Bilal were given their official royal titles after two months of intense training, where they learnt how to walk, talk and smile like royalty.
Bisi, a student at Coventry University described the experience as something that “required her to be determined, focused and to fully concentrate” and despite a few stumbling blocks, including an unfortunate wardrobe mishap, Bisi continued to smile and “reach for her crown”.
The pair outshined 10 other young men and women and were awarded with a trip for 2 at a holiday destination in Europe, a photo shoot with VA garments and a 12 month modelling contract with Serenity London. The couple may also undertake charity work in Nigeria with Earth’s Haven, a youth led charity which aims “to promote creativity and enterprise development among less privileged and vulnerable teenagers in Nigeria.”
The event, which aims to “empower and enrich the Nigerian culture in the UK” is in its first year, and was hosted by award winning duo Uncle & Mistar. Members of the public voted over the course of a month to elect the King and Queen.
Mr and Miss Nigeria UK, which is sponsored by Serenity London, VA Garments and 360nobs.com, hopes to “bring together those of Nigerian descent, both living in the UK and in the Motherland,” while “encouraging contestants to embrace their heritage and learn what it means to truly represent their country.”
In a message to her fellow Nigerians Bisi stated “As your Miss Nigeria UK, my mission is to educate and empower our people in our communities towards a fulfilled and purpose driven life, where everything we put our hearts and minds to is accessible and achievable. I make it my duty to be consistent with my efforts to maintain the values of Miss Nigeria, not only for the temporary duration of my reign but rather for the rest of my entire life. And finally with the help of God, my family and the support of our people, this is only the beginning of a beautiful journey to make Nigeria the best version of itself. I, Adebisi Akindayini will be the best Miss Nigeria UK I can be so let my reign begin.”
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