Dabota Lawson’s interest in beauty began long before she launched her cosmetics business. After working in modelling and pageantry, the Nigerian entrepreneur turned to developing makeup products for women with different skin tones. She founded Dabota Cosmetics in 2015. She is now looking to expand into international markets.

Lawson’s early exposure to fashion and makeup influenced her career. In a March 2025 interview with Vanguard Allure, she recalled growing up around her mother’s fashion and makeup collections. She started modelling at five and won Miss Nigeria UK in 2010. After returning to Nigeria, she saw an opportunity to offer premium cosmetics in shades suited to different complexions.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

Lawson had to learn the cosmetics trade as she built her business. In a July 2015 introductory statement, She explained that she attended cosmetics trade shows and met manufacturers in different countries. These experiences helped her understand cosmetics production and the process of establishing her brand.

Dabota Cosmetics sells foundations, concealers, powders, lip products and eyeshadows in shades for different skin tones. One of its offerings, the OPULEN Makeup Book, combines several makeup essentials in one collection, including primers, correctors, blushes, bronzers and highlighters.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

In a November 2025 interview with Marie Claire Nigeria, Lawson discussed the challenges of raising funds and protecting product formulations. She also highlighted the need to understand the science behind cosmetics, particularly when developing products for people with specific skin needs.

In March 2026, Lawson signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodhall Capital International for a structured financing facility to support Dabota Cosmetics’ planned global expansion. She credited the firm’s founder and president, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, with providing mentorship and business guidance during the process.

Venita Akpofure has gone blonde. The actress and reality TV star shared the new colour in a set of four Instagram photos on her page.

The hair is a golden honey blonde, darker at the roots and lighter toward the tips. She wore it shoulder-length and swept to one side, with loose, rounded waves that curled outward at the ends. The waves are thick and bouncy, so the hair sits wide around her face. The volume sat at the crown and sides, and the sweep lifts the hair off her face to show off her pearl drop earrings.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

At the all-white party where Venita debuted her blonde hair, she wore a sleeveless white feather mini dress with a high halter neck by Everyday by Andra. The feathers covered the dress from the neck to the hem, and ended at the upper thigh. Frontiers Brand handled her styling for the night, and she carried a glittery silver clutch. The colour is a big switch for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades.

The blonde hair was a wig from Laposhair, styled by Hair Smiles. Opulen Dabota did her makeup in neutral tones with a glossy lip, and Gwendilara handled her photos.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

She captioned the post with “If you’re going to ruffle feathers, at least look good whilst doing it.” She added, “Sweet enough to approach. Dangerous enough to reconsider.” and she also thanked Pretty Mike of Lagos and Tosin Akinbo. The caption did not say if she plans to keep the colour beyond the party.

The blonde waves happens to also be a big change for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades. Back in June, she posted some photos with her dark hair pulled into a high ponytail.

Tamunosoye Karibi-George is a 26-year-old Nigerian beauty queen currently representing the country at the 75th Miss World festival in Vietnam, competing for the international title.

Karibi-George earned the national crown on June 6 at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, where she won the crown after competing against 19 other contestants under the theme “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

Although she represented Bayelsa State in the national competition, Karibi-George is a native of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She is a communications professional who studied at Madonna University, Okija, and is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

She had already gained international pageant experience before winning the Miss World Nigeria crown in 2024.

A key part of her profile is her work with children with disabilities and special needs. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she advocates for inclusion, dignity and opportunities for children. The project aims to create spaces where children can develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

Her advocacy has continued to promote the cause since winning the national title. In June, she met with the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to discuss ways of expanding Beyond Labels and creating possible partnerships for the initiative.

Karibi-George arrived in Vietnam ahead of the 75th anniversary edition of the Miss World Festival, which runs from August 9 to September 5, 2026. The grand final is scheduled for September 5 in Nha Trang.

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

She takes over the Miss World Nigeria title from Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the previous edition, reaching the Top 20 and finishing among the Top Five contestants from Africa.

Ahead of her departure, Karibi-George described the trip as an opportunity to represent Nigeria’s culture and values while continuing to promote the Beyond Labels initiative.