The Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was filled with glamour and excitement on Saturday night as Miss Bankole Ajoke was crowned winner of the Miss Radiant Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2025 (MRNBP).
The pageant, packaged by Big Beth Production, brought together models, past queens, judges, entertainers, and supporters to celebrate beauty with a purpose. Ajoke’s coronation capped an evening that showcased cultural heritage, elegance, and intellectual strength.
Convener’s Vision: “Beauty Beyond Shortcuts”
In his welcome address, convener Mr Beth Egenti thanked God, his supporters, and guests who travelled from far and near for the event.
Egenti said Miss Radiant Nigeria was born from the need to redirect young women towards meaningful opportunities.
“Many young women were running after flashy cars and quick money instead of developing themselves,” he said. “Miss Radiant Nigeria was created to show that beauty must go hand in hand with brains and culture.”
He added that his ambition is to see the pageant expand globally in the next five years.
“Our goal is to create queens who can stand tall internationally. We want them to reach the next level of their lives and bring international platforms to their knees,” he declared.
Past Queens Reflect on Growth
Ruth Nelson, the first edition’s titleholder, reflected on her journey and urged contestants to believe in themselves.
“I was just a girl who didn’t think I could win. If I had to do it again, I would be more confident and stop comparing myself to others,” she said.
Nelson advised future queens to be teachable and calm, stressing that every action affects how they are perceived.
Former first runner-up Princess Klaus said confidence was her biggest lesson.
“If I competed again, I would be way bolder, way louder. My advice is simple: never lose your motivation, always smile, and stay confident,” she said.
Judges Emphasize Radiance and Intelligence
Judge Mabel Anike explained the qualities sought in the contestants.
“We are looking for brilliance, intelligence, and authenticity. The contestants must be educated, soft-spoken, natural, and of course, radiant,” she said.
She emphasized that the pageant was more than just beauty.
“This is about empowering women to know their worth, to understand that they can go places and be role models in society.”
Contestants Share Hopes and Inspirations
One of this year’s contestants, Queen Vanessa Harte, said the pageant gave her a chance to shine authentically.
“Miss Radiant Nigeria allows me to vibrate in my own element, to be comfortable in my being, and to inspire others by living true to myself,” she explained.
She added that she wanted to use her art and faith to motivate others.
A Pageant With Global Ambition
With Bankole Ajoke now crowned, Miss Radiant Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2025 has set a new standard for Nigerian pageantry.
Egenti reaffirmed his dream of taking the event global.
“We are building something bigger than a pageant, a platform where Nigerian women can represent the country with pride on international stages.”
The night ended with Ajoke’s coronation, sealing her place in history as a queen chosen not just for beauty, but for embodying the values of radiance, confidence, and purpose.
