Onyinyechi Basil celebrates Nigeria in bold national costume at Miss Universe 2025 pageant.
Photo credit: Onyinyechi Basil/Instagram
Nigerian Onyinyechi Basil she made a striking impression at the Miss Universe 2025 costume show in Bangkok. Her outfit, Akwa Nwanyi — The Frond of Womanhood, was inspired by the sacred palm of Igboland, a symbol of life, strength and renewal.
Wraps of raffia outline her silhouette, coral beads bring vivid color, and cowrie shines as a symbol of femininity. Her tall headdress stretches toward the sky, bridging the earthly and the spiritual, while the woven mat beneath her feet bears the legacy of generations who tilled, nurtured, and cultivated the soil. Earthy browns and lush greens are accented with rainbow-hued beads, evoking the growth, abundance and steadfast spirit of Nigerian women.
Nigeria was among several African nations that brought a rich culture and heritage to the stage. Queens from Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, among others, displayed similar intricate national costumes, each reflecting the pride and identity of their homelands.
Miss Universe 2025 features a total of 130 contestants, united under the theme “The Power of Love,” a celebration of empowerment, inclusivity and cultural storytelling.
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