Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Basil lit up the Miss Universe 2025 national costume show in Bangkok with a look that carried deep meaning and bold artistry. Her costume, Akwa Nwanyi — The Frond of Womanhood, draws from the revered palm tree in Igboland, a symbol tied to life, renewal, and inner power.
Raffia strands followed her frame with soft movement, coral beads added bright warmth, and cowries glimmered as gentle emblems of womanhood. Her towering headpiece reached upward as if connecting earth and spirit, while the woven mat beneath her feet honoured the hands of those who worked the land before her. The mix of warm browns, fresh greens, and bursts of colourful beads painted a story of growth, abundance, and the courage of Nigerian women.
Nigeria’s display was one of several African cultural showings that evening. Representatives from Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and others brought intricate creations that highlighted the essence and beauty of their roots.
This year’s Miss Universe brings together 130 contestants under the theme “The Power of Love,” a reminder of unity, expression, and the stories that shape each woman’s journey.
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