The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, like a majority of pageants, is rooted and guided by archaic beauty standards that are found to be problematic in contemporary society.
One person, Ufa Dania, is one of the many contestants who entered as a hopeful to win this year’s crown, and unlike many, as a dark-skinned plus-size model, she challenges and aims to reshape what has been the standard in competitions of this nature and calibre.
As an established fashion content creator, Ufa has documented her journey in the Miss Universe pageant, giving her followers behind-the-scenes access via a series she coined ‘Road to Miss Nigeria‘.
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In an interesting turn of events, South Africans, have been invested in the Nigerian pageant since former Miss SA finalist Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina accepted an invite to join the competition after withdrawing from Miss SA. Internet users have rallied behind Ufa, claiming that she would be an ideal ambassador for the country.
The 24-year-old is a well-spoken and confident first-class communications and multi-media design graduate from the American University of Nigeria. She is the founder of the Minds and Hearts Foundation which focuses on the education of the young girls in her country.
What seems to have started as an spiteful attempt at agonising Nigerians, has become a full on campaign for an unexpecting Ufa. South African internet users have expressed how impressive she has been throughout the competition and have began pouring in their votes for her.
Qualities I really love about Miss Kwara – her aura, her charismatic energy, she carries herself like a Queen. Embraces her dark beautiful skin, she flaunts her curvaceous body elegantly❤️
This is a woman destined to lead & destined for her story to be told.#MissUniverseNigeria pic.twitter.com/5rxRtLbeI8— 🇿🇦 iScathulo SePhara 👞 (@ISephara) August 27, 2024
It’s not about beating Nigeria, Miss Kwara is genuinely a stunning lady who is brave enough to break stereotypes and challenge the beauty standard as we know it. I’m rooting for her even if she doesn’t win the crown she has won the hearts of many and our votes did not go to waste
— Lady Baálè 💎 (@Nwabisa_M100) August 28, 2024
Miss Kwara is a body positivity activist, up there with Leeyonce. Her entry to Miss Universe Nigeria is to break boundaries. Queen. 🙌🙌
As long as she feels healthy, who am I to judge. pic.twitter.com/8ENVB5pKLQ
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) August 27, 2024
Also see: ‘I’m not even looking forward to going back to SA’ – says Chidimma whilst in Nigeria
