In a glittering finale that brought together the finest of Nigeria’s young women, the Beauty of Africa International Pageant (BAIP) crowned its new queen, the radiant 28-year-old Miss Anambra, Faith Ekwebenam.
The prestigious event, held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Bayelsa, was a spectacular celebration of beauty, culture, and empowerment. Faith’s win not only secures her the national title but also earns her the coveted opportunity to represent Nigeria on the global stage at the Miss International 2025 pageant in Tokyo, Japan.
The night was a testament to the exceptional qualities and grace of Faith Ekwebenam. Speaking moments after being crowned, she expressed her profound gratitude and excitement. “This is not just my victory, but a win for every young girl who dares to dream,” she said. “I am humbled to wear this crown and I promise to use this platform to inspire, empower, and represent Nigeria with pride on the global stage.” Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting her commitment to using her voice for meaningful change.
A passionate advocate for child wellness, Faith’s dedication to service extends beyond the pageant stage. In 2022, she launched her non-profit organization, the Faith Foundation, which is devoted to promoting healthy living in children. During its launch, she expressed her heartfelt mission: “Childhood is a critical phase of life, and we must provide our young ones with the right tools and resources to thrive. Unfortunately, many children face significant health challenges that can impact their quality of life, self-esteem, and prospects.” Her charitable work demonstrates the depth of her character and her readiness to make a lasting impact.
The grand finale was a night of high-stakes competition and inspiring performances. Miss Lagos, Stella Abiodun, was named the 1st runner-up, showcasing her poise and elegance. The title of 2nd runner-up went to Miss Bauchi, Tommy Divine, who also received the special title of Miss BAIP Tourism. Miss Edo, Favour Atoe, clinched the 3rd runner-up position, while Miss Nasarawa, Melody Okorotie, was announced as the 4th runner-up.
In a poignant moment, the new queen was crowned by her predecessor, Perpetual Ukadike, the BAIP 2024 winner. Perpetual’s own journey has been nothing short of inspirational. She represented Nigeria at Miss International 2024 and made history by securing a spot in the Top 10, a first for any Nigerian and a rare feat for an African contestant. Perpetual also became the first African to win the prestigious Missosology Choice Award. In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed her overwhelming gratitude for the recognition, sharing, “I’m so grateful, I’m so happy. I will cherish this with my heart. Thank you, Missosology, for finding me worthy of this award. Thank you so much, I’m not taking this for granted. I love you.”
The founder and president of BAIP, Daniel Opuene, praised the 2025 edition, calling it one of the most memorable in the pageant’s history. “Tonight, we have once again shown that BAIP is more than a beauty contest; it is a celebration of culture, empowerment, and the strength of African women. Ekwebenam Faith has demonstrated exceptional qualities, and we believe she will make Nigeria proud internationally,” Opuene stated.
Ekwebenam now embarks on her journey to represent Nigeria at the 63rd Miss International pageant on November 27, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. With her grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to her platform, she is poised to shine brightly on the global stage, carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation.
