After three rounds of performances in cultural, formal, and beach attire, Abubakar Usman, a hairstylist, defeated the other 11 contestants to become Mr. Nigeria International at 2023 pageant.
The event took place on Sunday night in Lekki, Lagos State.
Usman who is also Mr. Cross River is a native of Kogi State but was born in Cross River.
John Goodnews, a mass communication graduate who represented Mr. Akwa Ibom, came in second and is now known as Mr. Nigeria Global.
Collins Okere, a student and interior designer, was appointed Mr. Nigeria International, Tourism.
Usman, 25, who broke down in tears as soon as he was declared the victor, expressed happiness over his accomplishment.
“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.
“I am going to look towards encouraging our youths, the less privileged and empowerment of the unemployed.”
Brendance and Crusader Ltd., the contest’s organizers, claims that the competition touches lives, fosters peace, and boosts travel to Africa.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brenden Nsikak, “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.”
In the 11th iteration of the competition, with the theme: “The Evolution,” Nsikak said that more than 320 young men submitted applications.
He claimed that out of the 30 applications that were selected for the competition, 12 were chosen as finalists.
Usman, he said, would receive N1.5 million as his prize, while the first and second place finishers would represent Nigeria abroad and receive consolation prizes.
Speaking further, Nsikak said the tradition of the pageantry was to choose the most deserving and valuable competitors.
