EDO STATE HOSTS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF MBGN- the countdown begins

Waoh!!!! We just have to commend and congratulate the organisers of what has become the most prestigious beauty pageant in Nigeria. The Silverbird Group with the great Ben Bruce at the helms of affair has done well and they deserve a bow or many bows from all and sundry. It's not a small deal, to hold to one's dream for a quarter of a century, especially if you now look around and find out that most brands you started with many years ago, who had more prospect at succeeding are now, nowhere to be found.

 No need to start reminding ourselves about the history of the pageant, which originally began in 1983 as Miss Universe Nigeria, but later transformed to what it is now- Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 1986. The winner of the maiden edition of the MBGN in 1986 was Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu, who later on in life, very recently was a law-maker at the House of Representatives. Many other winners were Omasan Buwa- 1987, Bianca Onoh now Ojukwu- 1988, she's the new Nigerian ambassador to Ghana, Regina Askia- 1989, Sabina Umeh-1990, Nike Osinowo, now Nike Soleye- she is presently, the creative director of another beauty pageant- Miss Nigeria, she was the MBGN in 1991, Sandra Petgrave- 1992, Rihole Gbinigie- 1993, Susan Hart- 1994, Toyin Raji- 1995, Emma Komlosy- 1996, Chika Chikezie- 1998, Angela Ukpoma- 1999, Matilda Kerry, now a medical Doctor- 2000, Agbani Darego won in 2001,but later that year became Miss World- 2001, her first runner-up Ann Suinner completed her reign, Chinenye Ochuba- 2002, Celia Omotu Bissong- 2003, still deliciously gorgeous Anita Uwagbale now Iseghohi- 2004, Omowunmi Akinnifesi- 2005, Abiola Bashorun- 2006, Munachi Abii Nwankwo- the ex-beauty queen now turn rap-queen- 2007, Adaeze Igwe now Yobo, married to the National Football team's Captain- 2008, Glory Chukwu now Umunna- 2009, Amuzie Afora- 2010 and the out-going queen- Slyvia Nduka- 2011. A long history of very gorgeous Queens don’t you all think? So who would be the new queen for 2012? There have been 26 queens in all before now; this year's edition would make the 27th one.

The battle for the prestigious crown has shifted again from its customary choice of state- Lagos to Edo state. We hear the Edo State Government is actively involved in this special edition of the pageant, which marks the brand's Silver Jubilee. So come May 5, 2012, all roads would lead to the Best Western Homeville Hotel in Benin, Edo State. Many aspiring queens would gather to vie for the crown of the MBGN 2012- the 25th anniversary edition, the eyes of many would be focused on either STV or ears glued to Rhythm Fm stations to follow the proceedings. According to our findings, Miss Toke Makinwa of the Rhythm 93.7 FM station would be hosting this special edition.

May the best contestant of the whole lot, wins!!!!

And we have for your delight, pictures of some of the ex-queens.

NIKE SOLEYE- MBGN 1991

AGBANI DAREGO- MBGN 2001 & MISS WORLD 2001

CHINENYE OCHUBA- AKINLADE- MBGN 2002

ANITA UWAGBALE- ISEGHOHI- MBGN 2004

OMOWUNMI AKINNIFESI- MBGN 2005

MUNACHI ABII NWANKWO- MBGN 2007

ADAEZE YOBO- MBGN 2008

GLORY CHUKWU-UMUNNA- MBGN 2009

FIONA AMUZIE- MBGN 2010

SLYVIA NDUKA- THE OUTGOING QUEEN-MBGN 2011