Abubakar Usman, Mr. Cross River, was crowned Mr. Nigeria International 2023.
After three rounds of performances wearing cultural, formal, and beach attire, Usman, a hairstylist, defeated the other 11 contestants.
The occasion took place on Sunday evening in Lekki, Lagos State.
Usman, who was born in Cross River but is a native of Kogi State, is also a make-up artist, according to The News Agency of Nigeria.
Ajewole Odunayo, the outgoing Mr. Nigeria, gave him his crown.
John Goodnews, a mass communication graduate from Mr. Akwa Ibom, came in second and is now known as Mr. Nigeria Global.
Mr. Abia, Collins Okere, a student and interior designer, was successful in obtaining the position of Mr. Nigeria International, Tourism.
Usman, 25, who became emotional as soon as he was announced the winner, expressed joy at his feat.
“I feel so blessed, so happy and elevated. I know that I have a lot to do to meet up with my new position as Mr. Nigeria International.
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“I am going to look towards encouraging our youths, the less privileged and empowerment of the unemployed,” he said.
According to the organiser, Brendance and Crusader Ltd., the contest is touching lives, promoting peace and encouraging tourism in Africa.
“The 2023 maiden single Mr. Nigeria International is fashioned to promote culture, tourism and intelligence.
“We decided to separate the two contests which had existed for 11 years to give them more concentration and attention.
“We resolved to go cultural in other to boost and promote the nation’s culture among the youth,” the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brenden Nsikak, said.
Nsikak said that more than 320 young men applied in the 11th edition of the contest, with the theme: ‘The Evolution’.
He said 30 applicants qualified for the contest and 12 emerged finalists through public voting.
He said Usman would go home with N1.5 million while the first and second runners-up would represent Nigeria internationally and would have consolation prizes.
Nsikak told NAN that the pageantry had a tradition of selecting the most credible and valuable contestants.
NAN reports that some of the judges at the contest are Ada Karl, a movie producer and actress; Adesola Oshosanya, an educationist; Nkiru Umeh, an actress; and Zak Francis, a movie director.
The pageant had been a mixed one – Mr and Miss Nigeria pageant.
This 11th edition is the maiden single contest.
NAN
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