- The titles of Miss Charity and Miss Cultural Heritage for the first and second runners-up were also awarded to Magdalene Ivie Gerth and Paris Ugochi Iwuala. The night was a triumph for both Edo and Imo states in Germany.
On September 28th, 2024, the city of Hannover, Germany, became the vibrant center of Nigerian culture as it hosted one of the most anticipated diaspora events – the Miss Nigeria Germany pageant. This celebration, which holds immense significance for Nigerians living in Germany, showcased an evening filled with dazzling displays of Nigerian fashion, culture, and talent. The master of ceremony, Rev. Amb. David Nwaiwu, also known as “De Oracle,” guided the audience through the festivities.
The event showcased not only a traditional beauty pageant but also powerful performances by Nigerian and Afro-European artists, including Chisandra Benedict, IJ Weller, Na’Yo, Endebanton, Meggy Sil, blak I, CK Wooden, and Toni Tuklan. The Night of Glamour features hours of impressive catwalks, cultural presentations, and a stunning Nigerian fashion show, the event brought the beauty and richness of Nigerian culture to the heart of Europe.
### Roll Call of Prominent Guests and Cultural Ambassadors
The Miss Nigeria Germany Contest attracted a notable lineup of prominent Nigerians across Germany and beyond. Distinguished guests included Mrs. Tanja Bethan-Gbandi from Hamburg; Fiona Ngozi Akano from the UK; High Chief Dr. Victor Njinmah (Otumba) from Hamburg; Ambassador Tina Ada Nwachukwu from the UK, Mrs. Mary (GMT); Nze & Lolo Charles Okoye Chinaetugo of Hannover. Other respected attendees included Mrs. Sunomu the wife of the CEO of Julius Berger, from Nigeria; Ambassador Gin Godson from Lubeck; Lucky Igbinigie (President of the Edo Community Berlin); Fatma Hanke (Miss Kenya 2016); Stephanie Zape (2nd Runner-up Miss Nigeria Germany 2015); Chief P. Chukwuma Eze, the Eze Nndi Igbo Hannover and one of the founding sponsors of Miss Miss Nigeria Germany; Chukwudi I. Uzoewulu, a businessman and prominent Diaspora leader; Mr and Mrs Yekini Usman the CEO Kinitel Mobil Hamburg; Lucky Osenaga Igbinigie, MD Bella, s Reinigungsservice, Hannover; Mrs Rosemary Nkechiyere Uwadiunor a Register Nurse and German socialite; HRM Anasi-Obi Rosemary Ngozi Mafiana, Ugo-Eze 1, Alimini-Ugo Royal Dynasty; Prince Duke Mafiana Alimini-Ugo Royal Dynasty Agba, Onicha-Olona; Anthonia Egbuna the President of Women of Tomorrow (TWOT) and Jennifer Onwumbiko, Asamor Lekeh, Cameroonian Diaspora super Start and DJ Ije, 9ja among many others VIPs that attended the event.
### The 2024 Title Winners
After a rigorous selection process, the three-person jury, consisting of Mrs. Claudia Hirsch, a successful entrepreneur and author of „Die Ehe ist eine Frage der Kultur“ Mudy Aghedo, the MD of MUEXX Global, distributors of Nigerian drinks and groceries in Germany and Anthony Laoton, the MD of Syntec Group, commodities brokerage firm voted to crown Bridget Omonigho Kinima, the 19 year multilingual medical student from Ubiaja, Edo State as the Miss Nigeria Germany 2024. The titles of Miss Charity and Miss Cultural Heritage for the first and second runners-up were awarded to the two outstanding contestants namely Magdalene Ivie Gerth a 24-year-old also from Edo State and Paris Ugochi Iwuala 18 years old from Imo State. The night was a triumph for both Edo and Imo states in Germany, as these three young women from Edo and Imo state embodied self-confidence, and understanding of cultural diversity, and displayed raw talent after a challenging pre-selection from seven finalists.
The moderator announced the winning package for Miss Nigeria Germany 2024 and the runner-ups to include automatic sign-up for ISIS International Modeling Agency, Spokesperson for Runways to Freedom Foundation, an international Organization for the advancement of Models worldwide, with all its benefits, participation at Africa’s Next Super Model in Nairobi Kenya, cover Page of African Heritage Magazine Special Anniversary Edition and other consolation prizes.
### Remarks from the Founder
During his closing remarks, the founder of Miss Nigeria Germany and African Queen Germany, and the CEO of African-German Information Center, Supervisory Firm for MNG, Hon. Kenneth C. Gbandi, expressed his gratitude to the contestants, and their families for keeping the Nigerian social-cultural identity that offers great networking opportunities for Nigerians and Germans alive. He also thanked the jury team for the great Job. He especially praised Ms. Juliet Ohenhen, the head girls, Ms. Fiona Ngozi Akano, the event strategist, CK Wooden the MNG Team from Hannover, and other Team members including Liza Esosa Dan-Osas, former Miss Nigeria Germany Runner-Up who was the official Miss Nigeria Germany 2024 Make up artist, DJ K5, the camera crew and lastly the legendary Toni Tuklan. Finally, Hon. Gbandi the longest-serving Diaspora leader thanked all the esteemed guests who graced the event. He also acknowledged the event’s key sponsors, including Kenconsult Nig. Ltd, Diaspora City Housing Asaba Delta State, African Heritage Magazine, MUEXX Global, Syntec Group, Kinitel Mobil Hamburg, Julie Entertainment, Afrotone Entertainment, Tuklan Records, 9ja Energy Drink, the official Energy Drink and Schengen Story Media the event official Media partner.
Gbandi also appreciated Mrs. Joan Okorodudu, legendary founder of ISIS International Modeling Agency for their sponsorship package which includes spoke person for Runways to Freedom Foundation, an international Organization for the advancement of Models worldwide, with all its benefits, automatic sign-up for ISIS International Modeling Agency for the winner and the first and second runner-ups and participation at Africa’s Next Super Model in Nairobi Kenya.
Hon. Gbandi reflected on the journey of Miss Nigeria Germany, which was first organized by African Heritage in partnership with the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin in 2010. The inaugural event attracted over 1,000 attendees from across Germany and other parts of Europe. He emphasized that the core objective of the contest remains to awaken emotions tied to cultural identity, support and encourage young Nigerians in their respective fields, and build bridges between Nigerian organizations, the German host country, and other communities within Germany.
### A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Unity
The Miss Nigeria Germany Contest is more than just a beauty pageant. It serves as a platform for promoting cultural exchange, fostering unity among the Nigerian diaspora, and encouraging integration within German society. Through its events, the contest portrays the rich Nigerian heritage to a broader European audience while strengthening ties between Nigerians in the diaspora and their home country. It also ignites interest in Nigeria’s diverse culture, even among people who may not have African roots, creating an environment of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
With each edition, the Miss Nigeria Germany Contest continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians in Germany, reminding them of the importance of cultural pride, heritage, and the power of unity in diversity. As the 2024 contest comes to a close, it leaves behind a lasting impression of elegance, talent, and Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
