Collete Nwadike lifted Nigeria’s tourism on the faraway Island of So Tom & Principe as she edged out 50 other contestants from across the globe to become the first black winner of the Exquisite Face of the Universe (EFU).
Her journey to the crown began with winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria Beauty Pageant in 2014.
Less than a month after her crowning in 2014, she was appointed tourism assistant to Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano.
She later became the lead actress in Mnet Africa’s The Calabash.
Collete succeeds Susan Castano from Dominican Republic as EFU queen and also won the “Best Evening Gown” award at the contest.
“It’s like a dream come true. I’ve always dreamed of winning an international pageant and here I am, living my dream. I thank God for making this possible. I thank my ever supportive family,” she said.
“Special thanks to my wonderful groomer/national director, Lydia Salami, who left no stone unturned in preparing me for this journey.”
She also expressed appreciation to the officials of the Nigerian embassy in Sao Tome & Principe and the Nigerian community in the country.
Salami added that “it’s a big deal … when a young beauty emerges as the first ever black winner of the Exquisite Face of the Universe pageant.
“This is the case of Collete Nwadike who clinched the crown among several other beauties from across the world to make history.”
Collete will spend her reign promoting charitable causes, tourism, and goodwill around the world with special focus on Africa.
The top 10 finalists at the contest were United States, Brazil, Sudan, Nigeria, Germany, Cape Verde, Ghana, Angola, Aruba, Sao Tome & Principe.
Miss Germany was first runner up, Miss Angola (second runner up), Miss Aruba (third runner up), and Miss Sao Tome & Principe (fourth runner up).