An 18-year-old hijab model named Shatu Garko was on Friday, December 17, crowned the 2021 Miss Nigeria.
It was gathered that the model from Kano state represented the North West region of Nigeria at the 44th edition of the pageantry, which was held on Friday at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.
During the contest, Shatu beat 18 other contestants to emerge the winner. This makes her the first hijab-wearing model to wear the Miss Nigeria crown.
Before being crowned 2021 Miss Nigeria, Garko said;
“Winning this competition means a lot to me.
My whole life I have always wanted to be a Miss Nigeria. I’d like to thank Miss Nigeria and its sponsors. I would also like to thank my mum for supporting and loving me.”
As a winner of the pageant, Shatu was awarded the cash prize of N10 million, a luxury apartment, a car and ambassadorship.
Speaking with The Guardian after Shatu was crowned, Manager, Miss Nigeria Organisation, Chioma Nwigwe, said;
“This has always been about empowerment. Miss Nigeria platform is beyond the beauty pageant.
We are very committed to empowering women, girls and providing opportunities for women to grow.
Miss Nigeria is a full-time job. It’s a 9-5 job. That is what a lot of people don’t know. It’s beyond the fun, the glamour and Miss Nigeria is always looking for someone who is committed to doing that.”
