By Shakirudeen Bankole
The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, Ms. Basil Onyinyechi, will be representing Nigeria at 74th edition of the prestigious global beauty pageant set to take place at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, 2025.
As part of efforts to boost her chances of victory at the contest, the Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) organised a befitting send-off dinner for her over the weekend at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
WIMIN leaders said the Miss Universe pageant presents yet another opportunity for Nigeria’s inexhaustible reserve of beauty, brains, and class to be showcased on the global stage.
Ms. Basil, the delectable former Miss Anambra, will be flying the flag of Nigeria adorned with a priceless crown made from locally sourced rare minerals and gemstones, courtesy of WIMIN.
WIMIN said this crown is a symbolic ornament that represents national pride and announces Nigeria’s position as the new global mining destination.
The send off dinner featured big names in Nigeria’s mining industry and was marked by historical moments, including the unveiling of the crown’s final resting place and an exposition on the historical considerations behind the choice of location.
At the event, the organisers encouraged the beauty queen to focus her mind on victory and nothing less.
“Never forget who you are and where you are coming from. That clarity of mind, and the realisation that you are representing an entire country , our beauty, culture, and resources, together with your preparedness, are enough to power you to victory.
*Dan-Princewill (2nd right) having a pep talk with Ms. Basil while Mr Austin Menegbo of SROL (3rd right) and Mr Abidoye Abiosun of TheMiners watch
And we are solidly with you on this journey,” Mrs. Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, host and Chairperson of the WIMIN Gold and Conference Committee, told the queen.
The evening was hosted in partnership with Sip and Paint Nigeria.
Dan-Princewill explained that beyond the prospects of winning the global contest, Miss Universe Nigeria also represents Nigerian strength, beauty, and innovation.
The Chairperson of the Planning Committee for the WIMIN Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition said the association’s support for the beauty queen aligns with its broader goal of promoting Nigerian brands on the global stage.
“We are proud to say that the crown she will wear in Thailand is 100 percent Nigerian. From the gemstones mined and cut locally, to the silver sourced here, to the final design and crafting… all were done by Nigerian women,” Dan-Princewill said.
According to her, the crown was designed by Kiki Chiori, one of the association’s emerging jewellers, and crafted by Tejiri Incorporated — a homegrown jewellery brand founded by a young woman who began her journey through Women in Mining’s mentorship initiative.
“It tells the world that Nigerian women are not just beautiful; they are skilled, intelligent, and capable of creating excellence,” she noted.
Dan-Princewill also used the occasion to unveil activities lined up for the forthcoming WIMIN Gold and Gemstone Conference, holding from November 26 to 28 in Lagos.
The annual conference has grown into a regional powerhouse, serving as a major convergence point for stakeholders from several African countries, including Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana, among others.
*WIMIN leaders with Miss Universe Nigeria at the event
She stated that the highlights of this year’s conference will include masterclasses, plenary sessions, and a jewellery fashion runway showcasing locally made pieces.
“We are passionate about capacity building. Too many of our people sell raw minerals cheaply because they lack the knowledge to add value,” she explained. “We are saying enough. It’s time to process and sell finished jewellery that meets international standards.”
The masterclasses will hold on November 26, with the globally sought-after Labi Akapo, a Nigerian master jeweller based abroad, as the lead resource person, among others.
“Our goal is to ensur that participants leave equipped to recognise genuine gemstones, make quality jewellery, and understand the business side of the trade,” she added.
The conference will conclude with a gala night on November 28, featuring a jewellery competition for young designers and a fashion runway show in partnership with Vicknit, an emerging Nigerian fashion brand.
“We want to show that fashion and jewellery go hand in hand,” Dan-Princewill said.
