Therese Gina Onyejiaka was a Nigerian model and the first Nigerian woman to represent her country at the Miss World 1963.[1][2][3][4]
Early life
editGina Onyejiaka was born in Owerri, Imo State in the mid-1940s. She was the second of six children.[5]
Career
editOnyejiaka was drawn to the world of fashion and beauty pageants from an early age. But, there were few opportunities for young women to participate in these competitions in Nigeria at the time. She had participated in a contest in Nigeria where eight girls were selected, with her being the first runner-up. The winner of the contest was supposed to represent Nigeria at the Miss World Pageant. But, Martha Bassey, who was crowned ‘Miss World Nigeria 1963’, was later disqualified for being underage, leaving an opportunity for Onyejiaka.[6]
Onyejiaka faced harsh criticism from Nigerian beauty judges who deemed her unsuitable to represent the country. Rejected by the judges, she independently funded her participation in the Miss World pageant in London, becoming the first Nigerian woman to compete internationally.[5]
Legacy
editOnyejiaka's story continues to inspire generations of Nigerians, particularly women, to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams. Her courage and determination have left an enduring legacy in the annals of Nigerian history. Onyejiaka's determination and resilience in overcoming adversity have made her a symbol of women's empowerment and a pioneer in Nigerian beauty pageantry. Her participation in the Miss World pageant opened doors for subsequent Nigerian representatives and helped elevate the country's profile on the global stage.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ "1963". web.archive.org. 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ Drum: A Magazine of Africa for Africa. African Drum Publications. 1970.
- ^ "Miss World 1963". MISS WORLD HISTORY / HISTORIA DE MISS MUNDO. 2020-01-11. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ Universal Crowns (2020-10-27). Miss World 1963. Retrieved 2024-07-26 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "The Inspiring Story of Gina Onyejiaka: The Nigerian Beauty Queen Who Sponsored Herself to World Pageant | Duchess International Magazine". 2023-03-10. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ O, Osayi (2023-03-09). "JOINING IN THE CELEBRATION OF GINA ONYEJIAKA". Oreime. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ^ "Incredible lives of ex-beauty queens".
- ^ https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/nigeria-56-fond-memories-ex-beauty-queens/