Entertainment
Nyekachi Douglas Dazzles At MBGN Pageant …Wins 2019 Crown
Although the 2019 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria(MBGN) pageant has come and gone, the news of the glamours night of beauty, excitement, glitz, and razzmatazz that marked the event is still trending in the social media and amongst the society of fun lovers across the country.
The 32nd edition of the beauty pageant organised by the Silverbird group in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government and an international organisation was held on Friday, October 11,2019 at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenegoa and attracted a humongous audience, including the founder of Silverbird group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, a constellation of stars from the show biz and the fashion world.
The 2019 MBGN attracted over 52,000 entries out of which 37 contestants representing the 36 States of Nigeria and Abuja emerged to contest for the crown of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2019.
Before the d-day, the contestants spent two weeks in camp and visited important places in the state such as the Steve Azaiki Public Library and Tulip Castle Hotel, they also participated in camp orientation fitness day and visit by the Bayelsa State Government.
The event night kicked off with the red carpet segment, while the pageant proper began as the hosts of the annual event mounted the stage. They were ace comedian, actor and producer, Bovi Yonina and Layole Oyatogu, actress, compere and media personality .
The 37 contestants were later paraded on stage for the first time where they mesmerized the audience with their catwalks, natural endowments and amazing beauty. This was followed by other appearances on stage for the choreography,traditional wear, swim wear and evening wear segments.
The award category followed next as winners emerged after the stage appearances. The winners were Miss Amity, Nyekachi Douglas (Rivers), National Costume, Michelle Nwagbara (Abia), Miss Photogenic, Folakemi Yunusa (Kwara), Best Talent, Temitope Are(Ogun), Face is Lush, Afuru Cynthia (Adamawa) and Best Evening Wear,Olutosin Araromi
This stage was marked by the fall of the judges hammer as 22 out of the 37 contestants qualified for the semi- finals. At this semi final stage, 10 out of the 15 semi finalists, were chopped and the Top 5 finalists emerged.
They were Nyekachi Douglas (Rivers), Akeela Ominu (Edo), Becky Ogene (Bayelsa), Olutosin Aroromi (Taraba) and Pamela Ifejioku (Abuja).
This final stage was the melting point of the well attended pageant.
The A-class judges, namely, Isoken Guobadia, Frank Oshodi, Richard Balogun, Tom Alazigha, Ebizi Ndiomu. Brown Precious Side-Duke and Olga Isvinkun Defreitas Cabral had a hectic time in selecting the winner of the highly contested crown as all the finalists were considered beautiful and enchanting.
The finalists were chilled at the end as a winner finally emerged as the judges unamionously declared Miss Rivers, Douglas as the 32nd MBGN queen, having defeated 36 other contestants.
Nyekachi was crowned amidst cheers and jubilation by the outgoing queen, Anita Ukah assisted by the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism Development and Entertainment, Senator Murray-Bruce and 2019 Mr. Nigeria, Nelson Enwerem.
The queen who also won the Miss Amity Award was rewarded with a brand new car, cash prize and other gifts. She will represent Nigeria at the 69th edition of Miss World pageant scheduled to hold at the Excel London, United Kingdom on Saturday December 14th 2019.
Other winners at the event were Olutosin Araromi (Taraba) MBGN Universe, Pamela Ifejiokie (Abuja), MBGN Tourism and Akeela Aminu (Edo) MBGN universe.
Nyekachi Douglas hails from Ibaa Community in Emohua Local Government Area (Emolga) of Rivers State. She is a free lance model based in America.
With her new crown, it is expected that she would not only be successful in her career, but will spread love, joy and confidence as she represents Nigeria in the global stage.
It would be recalled that the pageant was originally called Miss Universe Nigeria when it started in 1983, but gained attention where it was later changed to MBGN in 1984.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.