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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Miss Chioma Tyra Obiadi is the 40th Miss Nigeria. In this inspiring interview with Sunday Sun, she speaks on life after the crown, wrong perceptions on beauty pageants, what it entails to be an emerging strategic leader, Nigerian youths and other issues.
Many people still don’t know your details…
Yes. I’m Chioma Tyra Obiadi, from Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. I was born and raised in Surulere, Lagos. While I’m deeply proud of my Igbo heritage, I have always considered myself a Nigerian first, having grown up in one of the country’s most culturally diverse cities.
I am the first child and only daughter in a family of four children. I was raised in a close-knit family by both of my parents, whose presence, guidance, and values shaped much of who I am today. Growing up in a modest Catholic home taught me the importance of faith, humility, discipline, and service, principles that continue to guide both my personal and professional life.
I attended Handmaids International Catholic Primary School in Aguda, Surulere; Our Lady of Fatima Academy in Iwo, Osun State, for my secondary education. My years in Catholic schools played a significant role in shaping my character, reinforcing values such as integrity, compassion, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
I studied Geography and Meteorology between 2014 and 2018 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
How did your pageantry journey begin?
At the university, I began discovering another side of myself. But even before then, I have always been interested in modelling and have had family and friends tease me with names such as Agbani Darego, Queen Darling or even Queen Elizabeth.
My journey into modelling and pageantry started when I contested for Face of Geography and Meteorology, which I won. Encouraged by that experience, I went on to compete for Face of UNIZIK, where I was also crowned the winner. I later competed in Miss Anambra, where I finished as the first runner-up, an experience that prepared me for national competitions and ultimately led me to the Miss Nigeria stage.
Looking back, my journey to becoming the 40th Miss Nigeria was one of self-discovery as much as it was competition. Each pageant challenged me to become more confident, disciplined, and purpose-driven. Winning Miss Nigeria became a defining moment in my life, opening doors to opportunities I had never imagined and giving me the privilege of representing Nigeria on international platforms.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my reign was the Green Girl Project, an environmental sustainability initiative that focused on supporting communities affected by environmental pollution. Through the project, I collaborated with corporate partners, including companies within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, to raise support for affected communities. Beyond raising awareness, we educated women and children on the environmental and health impacts of pollution while empowering them with knowledge and practical ways to improve their quality of life. Seeing the direct impact of that work remains one of the most fulfilling experiences of my journey.
People often assume that pageantry ends with the crown. Do you think they’re right?
Not at all. The crown eventually comes off, but the responsibility stays with you. Even years later, people still recognise me as Miss Nigeria, and that reminds me that the title is something you carry for life. It continues to influence how I conduct myself, the opportunities I’m given, and the example I hope to set for others.
What responsibilities come with being a former Miss Nigeria?
I believe there’s a responsibility to represent the values that the title stands for, even long after your reign ends. Whether I’m speaking to students, working with brands, judging pageants, or simply interacting with people, I try to remember that someone may see me as a reflection of that platform. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
How has your understanding of leadership evolved?
When I was younger, I thought leadership meant standing in front. Today, I believe leadership is about serving others, listening carefully, and creating opportunities for people around you. It’s less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about helping others become their best.
Which moments during your reign still stay with you today?
The moments that stay with me aren’t necessarily the glamorous ones. They’re the conversations with young girls who believed they could achieve more because they saw someone they could relate to. They’re the community projects, the environmental initiatives, and the opportunity to connect with people whose lives were very different from mine. Those experiences gave the title its true meaning.
What’s that thing that’s closest to your heart?
Education has always been very close to my heart because I believe it changes lives. I’m also passionate about environmental sustainability, which was one of my key focus areas during my reign, and youth development. I believe investing in young people is one of the greatest investments any society can make.
How has public recognition influenced your career choices?
It has made me much more intentional. I understand that people are watching, so I try to pursue opportunities that align with my values rather than simply choosing what’s popular. Whether it’s continuing my education or starting a new business, I want every decision to reflect growth and purpose.
How do you balance public expectations with personal growth?
I’ve learnt that it’s impossible to meet everyone’s expectations, so I focus on becoming the best version of myself instead. Sometimes that means making decisions that surprise people, like going back to school after years in the public eye. Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worthwhile.
What misconceptions do people have about beauty queens?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that beauty queens only care about appearances. In reality, many women in pageantry are highly educated, ambitious, and deeply committed to making a difference. The crown may introduce you to people, but your character, work ethic, and purpose are what sustain your career afterward.
How do you stay authentic in the public eye?
I remind myself that the public only sees part of my life, and that’s okay. I don’t feel pressured to pretend to have everything figured out. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with family and friends who knew me long before any titles, and they do a great job of reminding me that I’m still just Chioma.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to be in leadership?
Don’t wait for permission to lead. Leadership doesn’t begin with a title; it begins with your actions, your integrity, and the way you treat people every day. Invest in yourself, stay curious, work hard, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Most importantly, remember that confidence and humility can exist together.
What’s your message to Nigerian youths?
To every young Nigerian reading this, I want you to remember that your future is bigger than your current circumstances.
Don’t be afraid to dream beyond what you’ve seen. Continue learning, keep improving yourself, and don’t let fear stop you from pursuing opportunities that seem impossible. Sometimes the path won’t make sense while you’re walking it, but later you’ll realise every experience was preparing you for something greater.
Most importantly, be known for your character. Talent may open the first door, but integrity, consistency and kindness are what keep those doors open. Represent yourself, your family, and our country with excellence wherever life takes you.
