Lagos came alive on Saturday night as Onyinyechi Basil was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2025. Representing Anambra State, the 25-year-old beauty queen stood out in a field of 22 finalists to clinch the crown and the chance to represent Nigeria on the global stage in Bangkok later this year.

The grand finale at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Eko Hotels, drew a stylish crowd eager to see who would succeed Chidimma Adetshina. The competition unfolded in stages: swimwear, evening gown, traditional attire, and the nerve-racking Q&A session. Onyinyechi impressed at every turn, balancing elegance with sharp responses that kept her firmly in the judges’ spotlight.

Her journey to the crown was marked by weeks of intense preparation, training camps, and nationwide voting. By the time her name was announced, the excitement in the hall was electric. It was clear that her victory had been hard-earned.

The night also delivered strong showings from other contestants. Damilola Bolarinde of Lagos emerged first runner-up. Fortune Kurobo of Bayelsa and Irene Ikediashi of Ogun finished as second and third place respectively. In a separate twist, Miss Akwa Ibom, Idah Eno, was crowned Miss Supranational Nigeria 2025, giving her a platform to represent the country at another international event.

Moments after receiving her crown, Onyinyechi spoke with heartfelt emotion, thanking supporters and outlining her vision for the year ahead. She promised to use her platform to inspire young Nigerian women to believe in themselves while staying rooted in their culture.

As she prepares for the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok this November, Onyinyechi carries the hopes of a nation eager to see her shine on one of the world’s biggest stages. Her win is not just a personal milestone. It is a proud moment for Nigerian pageantry and a reminder of the talent, drive, and confidence the country continues to showcase to the world.

Tribeca lit up with star-studded glamour on Monday night as Chanel hosted its 18th Annual Artists Dinner at The Odeon — a stylish staple of the Tribeca Festival. The evening celebrated the intersection of film, fine art, fashion, and culture — drawing an eclectic mix of creatives, tastemakers, and A-list guests.

Molly Gordon

The candlelit event brought together a dazzling lineup of guests— Blake Lively , Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Lucy Liu, Mariska Hargitay, Jon Hamm, Joe Jonas, Lily James, Olivia Munn, Allison Janney, Christy Turlington, and many more. Nigeria’s own Wizkid also made a show-stopping appearance, styled in black-and-white Chanel  costume.

Wizkid in the photo booth

A highlight of the night was a playful photo booth installation by French artist JR, making a return to the festival after his 2019 debut.Celebrities stepped into oversized wooden crates filled with bubble wrap and foam, striking poses as if they were priceless works of art. Everyone from Blake Lively to Robert De Niro joined in the fun. Notably Wizkid also got in on the action, striking a charismatic pose that reinforced his global status as a style and cultural icon.

The dinner also honored ten visual artists — handpicked by curator Zoe Lukov — who created original works for this year’s Tribeca Festival award-winning filmmakers. The featured artists included:

• Alteronce Gumby
•  Faith Wilding
• Jane Dickson
•  Jeffrey Meris
•  Lauren Halsey
• Marilyn Minter
• Naudline Pierre
• Raúl de Nieves
• Simphiwe Ndzube
•  Tuan Andrew Nguyen.

Their works are on display at the Tribeca Festival Hub in Spring Studios throughout the festival’s duration, which runs until June 15.

Chanel’s 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner at The Odeon

Amid the conversation, steak frites and sundaes, guests flipped through artist-designed books— a cherished Chanel dinner tradition. The evening unfolded as more than just a glamorous gathering. It was a tribute to New York’s creative spirit and a celebration of the dynamic bond between fashion, film, and fine art — led by a house long known for championing boundary-pushing beauty.

read also: Wizkid Celebrates His Lagos Legacy with Family at Tribeca Film Festival Premiere  

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