Category: Beauty

  • CoS To President Can’t Take Over NASS Oversight Role, Says Agbese

    CoS To President Can’t Take Over NASS Oversight Role, Says Agbese

     

    The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, says the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President Bola Tinubu cannot take over the oversight duties of the National Assembly.

    Agbese said this in Abuja while refuting a statement allegedly credited to him  that the CoS has the power to oversee Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs) of Government.

    According to him, only the legislature has the power for close supervisory checks and monitoring of agencies to ensure things are done correctly.

    It would be recalled that Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the CoS to President Tinubu on Aug. 22, allegedly began a fact-finding exercises and familiarisation tours of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    He was alleged to have conducted on-the-site assessment of key MDAs under the presidency.

    Agbese, however, said that such oversight by Gbajabiamila was in conflict with the legislative role, adding that it was only the National Assembly that had the constitutional role.

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    . Supreme Court Upholds Diri’s Re-election As Bayelsa Governor

    AgbeseRep. Philip Agbese  quoted Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, saying “each House has the power to cause an investigation into the matters on which it has the power to make laws and the conduct of any person or ministry charged with certain responsibilities.”

    According to him, I think I was quoted out of context; the paper quoted me out of context because the pretext and post-text were not fully reported.

    He further emphasised that only the National Assembly, which is the Senate or House of Representatives, could oversee the executive.

    He further said that the power to amend the Constitution rests squarely in the parliament, and that had been done.

    According to him, what I said was that visits within the executive are okay, but when it is called an oversight, then it’s in conflict with the Constitution.

    He further said that friendly visits by the executive in the form of courtesy visits are allowed, but not oversight.

    He stated that the concerns raised by the various stakeholders and particularly the civil society organisations that have called to clarify such claims are justifiable.

    “As a People’s House, we will promote the Constitution as lawmakers and not cede such powers given to us by the Constitution to any individual outside the executive.

    “The Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila was a speaker of the parliament and had voluntarily resigned to take up an executive responsibility.

    “He should therefore understand the difference between the executive and the legislature,” he said. (NAN)

    .Rep. Philip Agbese CoS

  • Miss South Africa Crowned 2019 Miss Universe

    Miss South Africa Crowned 2019 Miss Universe

    South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned Miss Universe 2019.

    The 26-year-old beauty queen beat 89 others during the pageant held in Atlanta.

    She was crowned on Sunday night.

    Miss Puerto Rico, Madison Anderson emerged first runner up while Miss Mexico Sofia Aragon was the second runner-up.

    Tunzi’s biography describes her as a “passionate activist” who is “engaged in the fight against gender based violence,” adding; “She has devoted her social media campaign to changing the narrative around gender stereotypes. She is a proud advocate for natural beauty and encourages women to love themselves the way they are.”

    The final three were asked on-stage: “What is the most important thing you should be teaching young girls today?”

    READ ALSO: 25-year-old Chidinma Leilani Aaron Crowned 2018 Miss Nigeria

    Tunzi, who was clad in a striking gold and silver gown, answered: “Leadership. It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time … because of what society has labeled women to be.

    “I think we are the most powerful beings in the world, and that we should be given every opportunity, and that is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space.

    “Nothing is as important as taking up space in the society and cementing yourself.”

    When asked why she’s the right choice, she said: “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful.

    “I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”

  • Kylie Jenner Sells Stake In Cosmetics Company For $600m

    Kylie Jenner Sells Stake In Cosmetics Company For $600m

    Kylie Jenner will sell the majority of her cosmetics company for $600 million (£463 million).

    The 22-year-old’s brand, including Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin, will be controlled by beauty giant Coty.

    Kylie says she is building the brand into an “international beauty powerhouse”.

    Forbes reported that she made $360 million in sales in 2018, making her the youngest self-made billionaire ever.

    The chairman of Coty’s board called Kylie a “modern-day icon, with an incredible sense of the beauty consumer”.

    Her online influence is so powerful that she reduced Snapchat’s stock market value by $1.3bn (£1bn) when she tweeted that she does not use the app anymore.

    READ ALSO: Kylie Jenner Sparkling New Looks, Check Out Latest Photos

    The reality TV star launched her brand in 2015 with a line of lipsticks, and has since then branched out into face make-up and skincare.

    Although she’s the youngest, Kylie is the highest earner in the Kardashian family.

    She faced backlash after being named a “self-made” billionaire, but defended herself saying that none of her money has come from inheritance.

    She has more than 151 million followers on her personal Instagram account, as well as 22 million on her Kylie cosmetics account.

    Coty, which owns brands like Max Factor and Hugo Boss, will have a 51% stake in the company.

    It said the deal will be completed in 2020.

    Source: BBC

  • Dimples As Beautiful Defects

    Dimples As Beautiful Defects

    Gelasin, which is commonly known as dimples, is a small natural indentation in the flesh. It can be found on any part of the human body, but mostly on the cheeks or chin. Cheek dimples, which are common amongst individuals, when present, show up when a person makes a facial expression especially when they smile.

    Dimples are in reality genetic defects that are caused by shortened facial muscles.
    According to Dr. Alex Uzodinma a Paediatrician, dimples are results of underlining flesh and “a baby born with dimples in the cheeks may lose them as they begin to grow due to the diminishing of baby fat.”

    Dr. Uzodinma defines dimples as mobile tissues that are possibly caused by variations in the structure of the facial muscle known as zygomaticus major.

    He went further to explain that though some people believe dimples to be defect in the bones they could also be a dominant trait mostly influenced by genetics. He said “some individuals are only carriers of a certain gene but do not display the traits affiliated with it.”

    In the eyes of many, dimples are considered as a mark of beauty and loveliness. In fact, dimples are considered very attractive as they transform a person’s face especially when they laugh or smile.

    The issue of how people get dimples has been a source of argument among many. Some believe it to be natural, that is, a person is born with it, others believe it to be genetics, while some believe that when a child is little the indentations could be made by pressing the individual’s cheeks inwards.

    When asked to comment on the misconception about mothers pressing their children’s cheeks at infancy in the hope that they could give them dimples, Uzodinma laughed and urged mothers to stop “because no matter how hard you press your infants’ cheeks or where ever you decide for the dimples to be, it won’t work!”

    As the saying goes, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Almost everybody would love to have facial dimples, defect or not, but not all are lucky.

    Come to think of it, knowing that dimples are a form of defect, would you consider those who have it as fortunate or not?

  • Makeup – Do’s and Don’ts

    Makeup – Do’s and Don’ts

    Makeup is constantly evolving with new trends and products being added every other day. There are a million and one steps that a professional makeup artist would take to give you a ‘facebeat’ to the gods but what should you not do as a beginner? Not everyone will apply makeup as a pro but to get a more than decent ‘facebeat’ there are certain things you shouldn’t do.

    BASICS

    Foundation Shade

    It goes without saying – Your foundation shade SHOULD match your skin tone. The whole idea of makeup is to enhance not create something new entirely. Using a shade that is not your shade is not acceptable. Your neck, arms and body will definitely stand out and not in a good way. Be sure your foundation matches your skin and not the skin colour you wish you had. A word is enough for the wise.

    Drawing in your brows

    Remember when black eye pencil was used to draw on eyebrows? Now that you have remembered, go ahead and delete that memory. Never use a completely black eye pencil in your eyebrows, the look almost never comes out natural. Use an eye pencil that is softer and not completely black. You can’t go wrong with a medium brown. When applying the pencil, please stick to short strokes that will mimic the hair growth pattern and don’t chart a whole new path for your eyebrows; unless you are intentionally going for a particular look. Avoid harsh straight lines for a more natural look. Asides eye pencils; there are other products that can be used to draw in your brows, always try and match it to your hair color as closely as possible.

    Defining the Brows

    After drawing in the brows, if you want to go a step further and make it look neater, the next step is defining. Generally, this is done with a concealer but you can use your foundation as well. If you are using a concealer, use one that is a just a shade lighter than your skin color. Anything more and the finished look is ashy and the purpose is defeated. And please blend it well, the aim is to make it look natural, not blending well makes it stand out and not in a good way.

    Eye Primers

    Anyone familiar with makeup knows about face primers. They are used to give your overall makeup a good finish, to absorb oils (For those with oil skin) and to make your make up last longer. Do you know eye primers for eye shadow exists as well? If you are a make-up afiancando and you want to go a step further, invest in a good eye primer. They will help your eye shadow stay on longer and vibrant as well as prevent creasing. You can also use your concealer to prime before eye shadow as well.

    READ ALSO: Sex before Marriage: To Indulge or Not to?

    Use a base color

    Most people ignore this step. When applying your eye shadow, first go in with a base color or a transition color. A transition colour helps merge colours together. It also helps in bringing out the true colors of the eye shadows you will apply. Almost all eye shadow palettes have a shade that can work as a transition color. Use a colour that is a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Do not start with the colours you want to use at once, using a transition makes the overall look better. Try this and see the difference.

    False lashes

    This is not a beginner step and you shouldn’t try this until you are comfortable. The key to putting on strip false lashes is to apply them on your natural lash line. Some people actually stick in above their natural lash line and call it a day. This is very wrong. It is obvious most people don’t have lashes as long as falsies but the idea is to create the illusion. Putting them right along your natural lash line allows you create that illusion.

    Highlighters

    With highlighting your face, less is more. Do not pack on product on your brush and always tap off excess product. If you really like your highlighter to be blinding, be sure you can blend well and be ready to own that look.

    Contouring

    This is a recent fad that most are already abusing. Do not use a shade that is too dark unless you are a bit more advanced and can work with it. Blending is key as well. Harsh lines for a contour is a no no.

    Blush

    This step is delicate and can be overdone with one wrong misstep. Blushes can actually be traced to as early as the 1500s though it had various meanings in different eras. The whole point of blushes is to give one a look of youthfulness; sort of like a child with plump pink cheeks. The key to doing this right is to find a shade that suits your skin tone and BLEND well. If you miss matching your shade well or blending properly, you end up looking caricature-like.

    Nude Lipsticks

    Never use a nude lipstick without first lining your lips. Use any brown lip pencil that works well for you to line the lips before filling in the lipstick. This helps the lipstick apply better and not look patchy.

    As a beginner in makeup, watch a YouTube video or two; there’s a lot that can be learnt. The above steps are not necessary for everyone, you mustn’t contour or use blush every single time you apply makeup. But if you must do it, you might as well do it right.

  • Dangers of wearing high heels

    Dangers of wearing high heels

    Consistent wearing of high heels can cause some damage. Here are some tips you can adopt to counter the effects.

    The high heel wasn’t originally created as an accessory to wear with pencil skirts. In fact, according to Ancient Origins the first heels – as depicted on a 9th Century Persian bowl – were created for male horse riders as a way to stop their feet from slipping from stirrups. Of course, at some point in the 1600s, women adopted the trend and the rest, as they say, is history. From tiny kitten heels to sky-high platforms, high heels have been a staple in female wardrobes for centuries.

    Obviously, the heel isn’t going anywhere. It’s the gold standard in women’s footwear for everything from the board room to the red carpet. But though they’re definitely stylish, high heels can cause major problems for both your feet and your budget.

    Heels are the main culprit in millions of foot and ankle complaints across the country, but women still wear the shoes with abandon. Whether you’ve noticed a constant pain in your foot or your bank account is dwindling as your shoe collection grows, understanding the true cost of high heels might be enough to make wearing your favorite shoes more of a treat than an everyday occurrence. Consider the following disadvantages and dangers.

    The costs of wearing high heels

    1. Joint Pain

    Unlike other types of shoes, high heels lack significant shock absorbers. What’s more, wearing heels also stops your foot from naturally rotating as you walk, since they’re forced into a straight and unbending position. This causes the knee to absorb the brunt of every step, which can lead to severe joint pain and an exacerbation of arthritis symptoms. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, your ankle also absorbs some of the shock as well, so don’t be surprised if a long day in heels leaves your joints feeling stiff and sore.

    2. Callouses

    When you push your feet into too-tight shoes or shoes that force your feet into unnatural shapes such as pointy-toe shoes, you create pressure on the sides of your feet and toes. Over time, the rubbing and pushing from your favorite heels can lead to a hardening of the skin. It may be no big deal in the winter, but come summer, you might be too embarrassed to don your strappy sandals when your feet are riddled with callouses.

    3. Shortened Achilles Tendon

    This might be one of the more worrying side effects of wearing heels. According to Live Science, women who wear heels over a long period of their lives actually shorten their Achilles tendon. With the heel in the lifted position, heels can actually create a physiological change in the muscles and tendons around the ankles. That means, when barefoot or wearing flats and shoes that cause the heel to reach the ground, the wearer can feel immense pain and stretching.

    4. Lower Back Pain

    Each time you attend an occasion where the dress code is formal, wearing heels is like a must. If the occasion demands that you  stand with other attendees for several hours, the following morning, you are most likely to have lower back pain. Why? Heels actually cause your pelvis to push forward when you walk or stand, placing tremendous pressure on the lower back and causing lingering pain.

    5. Lack of Cushion

    When you wear heels, your entire body weight is placed on the ball of your foot and your heel is used for balance only. Surprisingly, this can cause a wearing away or pushing away of the natural padding you have on the ball of your foot. According to experts, some plastic surgeons actually inject Botox into patients’ feet (they call it a “stiletto lift”) to add padding and make heels more comfortable. Otherwise, without extra padding on the ball of your foot, heels can become immensely uncomfortable, and even painful.

    READ ALSO: Jealousy: Which sex is guiltier?

    6. Falling and Sprained Ankles

    When you wear flats, your weight is spread evenly between the ball of your foot and the heel, with little pressure on your ankle. Unfortunately, heels cause such an imbalance between the heel and the ball that the ankle is forced to become the fulcrum for your entire body. And, since ankles aren’t built to take that kind of pressure, falls and twisted or sprained ankles can be pretty common. It’s nearly impossible to perfectly balance, especially in very high heels, so any bump in the pavement can feel like a 10-foot wall when you’re trying to scale it in your favorite pumps.

    7. Ingrown Toenails

    Most heels have a pointy or almond-shaped toe despite the fact that the end of your foot is actually more square. And it’s the biggest and littlest toes that take a lot of the pressure as they press against the sides and the end of the shoe. High heels cause your feet to slide down and crush your toes, leading to ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the side of your toenail starts growing into your flesh, and it can be seriously painful.

    To make your heels safer and comfortable, the following ideas are better:

    * Opt for a platform heel

    * Choose a comfort brand

    * Wear heels for a few hours max in a day.

    * Select dressy flats

    * Add Orthopedic pads

    * Stretch your feet

    There might not be a substitute for the way heels make your legs look or how they make you feel when you wear them. But if your long days in heels are leaving you sore and tired, it might be time to swap your higher heels for something a bit more comfortable. After all, a lifetime of knee pain and sore ankles isn’t worth the latest in shoe fashion. Still, if you must wear your sky-high pumps, do so carefully and in small doses, and you won’t suffer the ill effects of being fashionable.

  • How to maintain your wigs

    How to maintain your wigs

    At a certain time, wearing wigs was looked upon as a taboo or at the very least an embarrassment. These days though, wigs seem to have made it back with a bang and from all indications they are here to stay. Ladies are no longer shy to admit that they are using wigs and the men have become fully aware and have also come to accept that the long silky hairs their babes are sporting are not natural to them.

    But how cheaply do these wigs come? According to Ms Salome Igbinosa, a Wig Maker, the cost depends on the quality of the wig. A synthetic wig she said can be bought as low as N5,000 depending on the type. She disclosed also that a fibre synthetic wig is more expensive than a regular synthetic wig. For the human hair Ms Igbinosa said they can come as low as N35, 000 depending on the length, texture and the gram (weight) of the wig.

    She, however, disclosed that the cost of the human hair wigs sometimes depends on where they are sourced from, whether processed or unprocessed as well as the bargaining power of the buyer. She mentioned Vietnam for having nice quality hair.

    What makes wigs the preferred hair style for ladies? Most of the ladies we spoke to our correspondent said the primary reason was convenience added to the fact that it is in vogue.

    “I wear wigs for the convenience it affords. It also allows for me to change up my look whenever I want. Certain dress styles require a different hair style, wigs allow me to do that,” Princess Imo, said.

    Ms Igbinosa said; “I actually wear wigs because I don’t like sitting down to get my hair done so wigs are just it for me. Normally, when I fix my hair I wear it beyond two weeks, that is if it lasts that long. A good wig (human hair) can last you till it goes out of fashion if you know how to maintain it.

    So how does one ensure the wig lasts? Experts say it all boils down to maintenance. Following are some tips on how to preserve your wigs.

    READ ALSO: Beware of sex dolls, expert warns

    Shampoos and Conditioner:
    There are shampoos specifically for wigs. Invest in these if you want to get benefit from the money spent on your wig. Regular shampoos are too harsh for wigs especially for synthetic wigs. Soak your wig in shampoo and water and gently comb in the conditioner. Always rinse with warm water and comb out tangles with a wig brush.

    Hair Spray:
    Avoid over-use hair spray. The continuous usage of hair spray or any other spray to shine your wig makes it greasy and soon you won’t be able to manage it.

    Drying:
    Avoid heat as a means of drying your wig; for synthetic wigs, using heat on it will melt it. Stick to air drying. Avoid the use of excessive heat when styling your wig. To achieve curls, using curlers will get the job done as well as preserve the wig’s life span. If you are unsure of how to style your wig, give it to a professional to be on the safe side.

    Do not sleep or shower with your wig on:
    Do not sleep with your wig or shower with it; sleeping with your wig on encourages tangles and detangling causes damage. While washing is required, using it while in the shower is also a huge no no.

    Keep it properly:
    Keep your wig covered and upright when not in use; most wigs come with a net cover, keep your wig in this cover when not in use. This keeps it safe from dust that could also cause damage to it.

  • Magic of Waterproof Foundation

    Magic of Waterproof Foundation

    Waterproof foundation make-up does something that no other cosmetic can do. It allows you to sweat it out at the gym, swim, and enjoy a warm day at the beach without worrying about it coming off or smearing onto your clothes. Apply in the morning and your skin will look flawless all day. Even women who prefer water-based foundations have this one on hand for those special days when they want to look great with a minimum of effort.

    The Best Waterproof Foundations

    When you’re wearing the best waterproof foundation make-up it can withstand heat and humidity. That means you don’t need to worry about getting caught out in the rain without an umbrella. Your hair may suffer, but your skin will still look great because your foundation will remain intact. There is nothing worse than having your foundation slide off your face and onto your white blouse when you sweat. When your makeup is water resistant, you can work up a sweat without leaving a ring of makeup around your collar. Fortunately, you’ve got some great choices in this formulation:

    Estee Lauder Maximum Cover – A matte finish makeup that conceals flaws as well as scars, Maximum Cover is great for those who suffer from acne, have scars, birthmarks, sun spots, or even varicose veins. It is a foundation that looks natural and is soothing. A waterproof formula that is non-transferable and long-wearing, it has an SPF of 15.

    Clinique Work-Out Make-up All Day Wear – The brand that many women choose for make-up that is of the highest quality and allergy tested, now offers a foundation that is water proof and holds up under heat, humidity, and activity. Clinique’s Work-Out Makeup All Day Wear foundation offers moderate coverage and has the added benefit of oil control. It is a liquid foundation that is recommended for all skin types.

    Dermablend Cover Creme Foundation – Choose this foundation that offers full coverage for those with moderate to severe skin flaws. Despite providing twelve hours of wear, this product is surprisingly lightweight. It smooths onto the skin easily for even coverage. Not only will it cover scars, burns, bruising, rosacea, and vitiligo, it will also hydrate the skin and protect it with SPF 30. Choose this product if you are looking for not only a foundation that withstands the elements, but also one that will thoroughly cover imperfections.

    Read also: Internet says Miss Jamaica, rocking natural hair, was robbed of Miss Universe title

    Make-up Application Tips

    Depending on your individual needs, you are sure to find a waterproof foundation makeup that will make you look your best under the harshest conditions. Here are a few makeup tips for applying foundation.

    Try applying it with your fingertips. The heat from your fingers helps to blend it. Make-up artists do this all the time.
    Use two different colors. A color that matches your skin and one slightly darker. This allows you to shade and contour. You can also make your foundation match your sunless tan.

    If you prefer to use a white wedge sponge to apply then moisten the wedge with moisturizer first. This keeps it from absorbing your foundation.

    Whether you are looking to create an even look on your face with a makeup that is light and enhances your natural glow, or cover embarrassing facial flaws, waterproof foundation makeup that will do just that. Workout, swim, and glisten on the beach while looking flawless when you apply one of these recommended products.

    SOURCE: makeupnotebook.com

  • Internet says Miss Jamaica, rocking natural hair, was robbed of Miss Universe title

    Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters won the crown at this year’s Miss Universe pageant, and while the 22-year-old is being celebrated worldwide, there are many people who feel Miss Jamaica, Davina Bennett, really deserved the title.

    Seeing women of color compete in pageants while rocking their natural hair is an empowering deviation from seeing the blown-out, straighter hairstyles contestants traditionally wear. Bennett, the second runner-up for Miss Universe, not only showed off her crowning Afro glory, but did so with grace, intelligence, and confidence — and people are beyond here for it.


    Miss Jamaica 2017, Davina Bennett, competes during the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Nov. 26, 2017 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

    One Twitter user shared, “Davina represented not only #Jamaica in the #MissUniverse but the black race. I wish she’s the one who should have won. She displayed her Afro with pride redefining the competition. Young black girls out there can feel confidence in their natural hair without whitening it.” The post has since gotten more than 1,000 hearts and more than 300 retweets, with one person going so far as to comment, “Miss Jamaica was robbed.”

     

    Davina represented not only #Jamaica in the #MissUniverse but the black race. I wish she’s the one who should have won. She displayed her Afro with pride redefining the competition. Young black girls out there can feel confidence in their natural hair without whitening it.

    Bennett glowed as she competed against 91 other contestants and steadily climbed her way to the top three. During the pageant, she was asked, “What quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe?” Bennett responded, “The quality I am most proud of is my drive, my determination. I am the founder of a foundation that spreads awareness for the deaf community, and this platform is such a great platform to just let persons know that these persons need opportunities and need equal opportunities and goals in our society. So Miss Universe competition will be the platform for me to use this foundation to spread awareness for all the deaf people around.”

    Read also: Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe

    After the competition, the 23-year-old took to Instagram to express gratitude for all the support she received. “I did not win but I got what I was seeking. I won the hearts of many, I got to highlight Deaf awareness, I stand as the first afro queen to have made it thus far, I represented my little island and I received allll the love one could possible wish for.”

    Among her many fans is Beyoncé’s go-to hairstylist, Neal Farinah, who also rooted for Bennett. After sharing his admiration for the beauty queen in a series of Instagram stories, he wrote a final post that read, “Such a shame @missuniverse Dark skin women will continue to work harder to prove themselves. Miss Jamaica, u are truly a miss universe.”

    While many are still in awe of Bennett’s bold choice to wear her signature Afro, natural hair has been having a major moment in the pageant world lately. Back in May, Miss USA Kara McCullough received an outpouring of love for sporting a full head of voluminous curls, and prior to that, 2016’s Miss USA, Deshauna Barber, made waves for competing with beautiful, tightly coiled hair.

    People are taking notice, and it’s apparent there is a need for more of this kind of strand showmanship.

    Source: yahoo.com

  • Idara Inokon crowned Miss Nigeria USA 2017

    Idara Inokon crowned Miss Nigeria USA 2017

    Idara Inokon, Miss Nigeria USA contestant representing Akwa Ibom, has emerged winner of Miss Nigeria USA 2017 beauty pageant held on Saturday night into early Sunday morning in New York.

    Idara, who was crowned by the former holder of the title, Miss Lola Adeoye, beat 13 other contestants to emerge winner.

    The new Miss Nigeria USA, who was the fourth to be crowned in the pageant, carted home $10,000 in prizes, according to Ms Joy Fakhoury, the organisers of the annual beauty pageant.

    She would also embark on a pet project that would impact on the less-privileged back home in Nigeria.

    Each of the contestants represented her culture in the pageant that was meant to promote the richness of Nigerian culture, the diversity of its people, the beauty and intellect of the Nigerian lady and to promote togetherness and unity among Nigerians in the Diaspora.

    Miss Ondo – Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje, emerged the First Runner-up, Miss Lagos – Susan Adeyemi, emerged the Second Runner-up, while Miss Rivers, Lucy Edosomwan, emerged Miss Congeniality, in the keenly contested pageant.

    Read also: Picture of the Day: Miss Nigeria 2017 New York

    The contestants were tested on intelligence, carriage, beauty, knowledge about Nigeria, Nigerian culture, and planned contributions to Nigeria through a pet project during their reign.

    Judges said that they had a hard time determining the winners as all the contestants performed outstandingly.

    Fourteen contestants made the finals on Saturday. They were: Miss Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers states.

    The new Miss Nigeria USA expressed surprise at her emergence, pledging to devote her reign to impacting the lives of the less privileged in Nigeria.

    “I was very surprised, I felt very shaky in the whole competition, you know how nerves get to you but I just said ‘Idara, whatever the outcome, you did your best and so I went out with a smile’.

    “I see it as a moment to share women empowerment and to represent my culture, which is a perfect opportunity. I really want to start to get to work to see how I can serve my community.

    “My platform is to create awareness on prevention. As a registered nurse, I do health education on a daily basis.

    “It is something I am very passionate about and I believe that if people are educated about their health, they can live healthier lives. So that would be what I would pursue during my reign,” she said.

    Inokon, a registered nurse in the U.S.,< and born to a Nigerian father from Akwa Ibom, graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science and Psychology.

    She also attended the Accelerated Nursing Programme at the University of Delaware and graduated in 2014.

    She is now a Masters Student in Family Nursing.

    The event was attended by many Nigerians across the U.S.

  • Picture of the Day: Miss Nigeria 2017 New York

    Picture of the Day: Miss Nigeria 2017 New York

    Picture of the Day: Miss Nigeria 2017 New York
    L-R: Miss Ondo, Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje, First Runner-up; Miss Nigeria USA 2017 Idara Inokon and Miss Lagos – Susan Adeyemi, Second Runner-up at the 2017 edition of Miss Nigeria USA on Saturday in< New York.