Miss Universe Nigeria Dr Danielle Adewusi has opened up about the influence of her mother, former beauty queen Tonia Okogbenin, revealing that growing up with a mother who once wore the same crown gave her a unique advantage.
Danielle’s achievement is particularly special because her mother won the Miss Universe Nigeria crown 35 years before her daughter’s own victory.
Speaking in an interview, Danielle explained that her mother did not give her formal pageantry training. Instead, she learned important qualities by watching how her mother carried herself, treated people, dressed and interacted with others.
According to her, growing up around a woman who understood confidence, elegance and public responsibility helped shape the person she has become.
The beauty queen, who studied medicine at King’s College London and qualified as a medical doctor, also spoke about balancing her different ambitions.
She revealed that she is currently taking a break from medical practice to focus on her pageant responsibilities.
Danielle has named her reign “The Legacy Reign” and hopes to use her platform to promote women’s health education in Nigerian schools. She also wants her participation to showcase the country’s cultural diversity.
Her Eyo-inspired costume, which she wore during the competition, was another major talking point. She revealed that the outfit was extremely heavy, reportedly weighing about 35kg.
For Danielle, the crown represents more than beauty. It is an opportunity to honour her mother’s legacy, promote Nigerian culture and encourage women and girls to pursue their ambitions.
