Nigeria’s Ekekwe Chikaodi has won the Best National Costume competition at the Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2026 pageant in Vietnam.
Chikaodi captivated the judges with a majestic presentation of Nigerian heritage titled “The Owu Guardian — Water Deity,” rooted in the Okoroshi water spirit tradition of South-Eastern Igbo culture.
The costume represents the powerful, protective counterpart to Ada Mmiri, the Daughter of the Water. Symbolising the Okoroshi Ojo, the dark water spirit, he embodies strength, ancestral power, protection and command of the depths.
The outfit featured an elaborate white and gold ceremonial warrior design. He wore a tall cylindrical golden crown heavily embellished with cowrie shells and gold beads, with long strands of white cowrie shells hanging past his shoulders like veils.
His upper body was bare, accented by thick layered white coral-bead necklaces, a gold choker, gold shoulder pieces and upper-arm bands adorned with bells and hanging cowrie strands. Gold forearm cuffs with intricate patterns completed the arms.
A large triangular white beaded apron with gold trim hung from his waist to below the knee. It featured two sculpted gold ancestral face masks connected by gold chains, secured by a gold beaded belt.
Gold shin guards decorated with white cowrie dots and gold patterns covered his legs. A long, flowing white cape spread behind him on the ground, creating a regal, deity-like silhouette.
Designer Ibibia George of Black Empire custom-crafted the ensemble. The crown echoes traditional Ekeleke dance crests, while the masks, cowries, beads and flowing white train represent ancestral spirits, royalty, spiritual wealth and the movement of water.
A separate report noted that Chikaodi also presented an all-white modern agbada and isiagu-inspired tunic featuring textured fringe, paired with a deep red velvet fez cap adorned with a red and Black eagle feather representing chieftaincy and honour. Multiple layers of traditional red coral beads draped his torso, completed by dark red loafers with white stitching.
At 23 years old, Chikaodi holds a degree in Criminology and works as a professional fashion model and emerging clothing designer. He was appointed to represent Nigeria by the Misters of Nigeria Pageant organisation under National Director Miss Sophia Eze.
The main global competition runs from 10 to 19 September 2026. Chikaodi is aiming to bring home Nigeria’s first ultimate crown in the pageant.
