A spin-off from the renowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, Mississ Universe Nigeria may be one of the newest crowns on the country’s pageantry scene, but it has already begun to carve its own identity—one that demands more from its queens than just beauty. At this year’s edition, all eyes were on Onyinyechi Basil, who emerged the winner after weeks of competition that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and culture.
For Onyinyechi, the victory was more than a personal triumph. A corporate high-flyer working with one of South Korea’s top conglomerates, she stepped onto the stage carrying not just poise but purpose. Her reign is already defined by the cause she has chosen to champion—maternal healthcare, an issue deeply personal to her and urgently relevant to Nigeria today.
In her, Miss Universe Nigeria has found a queen who embodies exactly what the platform represents: intelligence, resilience, and advocacy wrapped in elegance. As she prepares to represent the country on the global stage, Onyinyechi sits down with THISDAY Style to talk about the crown, the sacrifices, and the vision she intends to bring to life.
What was the very first thought that crossed your mind when your name was announced as Miss Universe Nigeria?
My very first thought was, “God, thank You for trusting me with this responsibility.” In that instant, I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and fulfilment. It wasn’t just excitement or joy—it was something deeper, almost sacred. I knew in that moment that this journey wasn’t just about me; it was about carrying something greater, a purpose far beyond a crown.
In that moment, beyond the crown, what did the victory symbolise for you personally?
Beyond the crown, it symbolised validation—that staying true to myself and my purpose is enough. For me, it wasn’t just a personal victory; it was proof that consistency, discipline, and grounding yourself in your “why” can truly bring dreams to life. It reassured me that you don’t need to conform or compromise to be recognised. You just need to stand firmly in your truth.
Now that you carry this title, how do you intend to shape what it means to be Miss Universe Nigeria in today’s Nigeria?
For me, Miss Universe Nigeria must transcend beauty. She must be a woman of relevance, one whose voice carries meaning. In today’s Nigeria, where young people are demanding more from leadership and role models, I believe this role is about influence with responsibility. I want to redefine the title so that it represents advocacy, empathy, and progress—being a queen who doesn’t just wear the crown but uses it as a platform for impact.
You come from a corporate world that is male-dominated, working with one of South Korea’s top conglomerates. How has that experience shaped the woman who now wears this crown?
Working in a male-dominated corporate space taught me resilience, discipline, and self-awareness. I had to learn how to own my space, speak with confidence, and never let myself shrink, no matter the room I walked into. Those lessons hardened my spirit in the best way. They gave me the strength to carry this crown—not just as an accessory of grace, but as a symbol of courage and capability.
Have there been moments in your career where you had to fight harder to be seen or respected simply because you’re a woman?
Absolutely. There were times when my voice was drowned out or my competence was doubted before I had the chance to prove myself. At first, it was frustrating, but over time, those experiences sharpened me. They taught me that respect isn’t earned by being loud or combative—it comes through showing up consistently, performing with excellence, and letting your presence speak louder than your words.
You’ve chosen maternal healthcare as your advocacy, and it stems from a very personal story. How has your brother’s memory shaped the urgency behind this cause?
His memory was the spark, but the urgency comes from knowing that maternal healthcare is the backbone of any society. Losing him opened my eyes to the painful realities too many families face in Nigeria. Every mother saved is a generation preserved, and every child saved is a future secured. I carry that responsibility with me every single day, as both duty and legacy.
What, in your view, are the most glaring gaps in Nigeria’s maternal healthcare system today?
Accessibility is the first and most significant gap—too many women simply cannot access functional facilities. Then there are delays in emergency care and a frightening lack of accountability when lives are lost. Women are forced to risk their lives giving birth, and when tragedies happen, no one is held responsible. That must change. Infrastructure matters, but accountability matters just as much.
If you had the power to implement just one immediate change to save mothers and children, what would it be?
I would ensure that every local government area in Nigeria has at least one fully equipped, functional maternal care centre with trained professionals available around the clock. Access to safe delivery and emergency care should never be a privilege reserved for the few. It must be a right for every woman, everywhere in Nigeria.
Do you think beauty queens in this generation should be more than symbols of elegance; they should also stand as activists?
Yes, without question. This generation values authenticity, not perfection. A crown today cannot be just about looking elegant; it must be about carrying influence responsibly. Queens must stand for something greater, because beauty fades, but the impact you leave behind—that becomes your true legacy.
Looking back, what has been the greatest personal sacrifice you’ve had to make on the road to this crown?
The greatest sacrifice has been time and rest. Pageantry is far more demanding than people realise—it takes long hours of training, endless rehearsals, and a constant need to be present at events. That often meant very little sleep, almost no personal downtime, and sacrifices in my private life. But every sleepless night and early morning moulded me into the woman strong enough to wear this crown today.
Strip away the crown, the corporate suits, and the public expectations. Who is Onyinyechi at her core?
At my core, I am a simple, God-fearing woman who loves deeply, laughs freely, and is driven by purpose. I’m grounded in humility, guided by faith, and I’m ultimately just that girl who dared to dream and refused to give up until those dreams came alive.
As you prepare to stand on the Miss Universe stage, how do you intend to represent Nigeria’s culture to the world?
By embodying the richness of Nigeria’s diversity, resilience, and creativity. Whether it’s through fashion, cultural storytelling, or advocacy, I want the world to understand that Nigeria isn’t a single story. We are a mosaic of brilliance, traditions, and voices that deserve global recognition.
Nigeria is often viewed through stereotypes. If you could show the world just one true image of your country, what would it be?
I would show the image of Nigerian women. They are strong, resourceful, brilliant, and unstoppable. They are the heartbeat of this nation, the silent architects of our communities, and I would want the world to see Nigeria through their resilience and beauty.
Years from now, when people look back on your reign, what kind of Miss Universe Nigeria do you want them to remember?
I want to be remembered as the queen who led with purpose. The one who used her platform to move the needle, to create tangible change, and to inspire others to dream bigger. The one who left the title richer and stronger than she met it.
Finally, if you could sit with your younger self, the little girl who could not yet imagine standing here today, what would you tell her?
I would tell her: Do not be swayed by the opinions of others. Keep dreaming. Keep working. Trust the journey. Everything you’re facing—the disappointments, the struggles, even the loneliness—is shaping you into the woman you’re destined to be. And always remember: adversity isn’t a punishment. It’s a tool, sharpening you for the destiny that awaits.
