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By Christy Anyanwu
ONYINYECHI Basil, reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, elegantly walked into the venue of the Silverbird Man of the Year 2026 event at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island. Lagos, recently. She spoke with Sunday Sun on a number of topics, including her tenure as a beauty queen.
When were you crowned?
I remember it like yesterday. I was crowned on August 31, 2025. I have held this title for the past six months.
How has it been?
I represented Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition in Thailand in November. That was about three months ago. It’s been a brilliant experience for me.
What was your most memorable experience in Thailand?
It was so amazing. The day we went zip-lining, I am normally scared of heights, but I challenged myself. It’s like you are hanging by the rope, basically, very high up. I’m very scared of heights, but I like to challenge myself. I like to go out of my comfort zone because I believe that’s how you truly grow. So, when the opportunity came to go zip-lining, I wanted to say I would not go but I challenged myself, and I did it. Another thing that was a memorable experience for me was that I got to bond with other girls who also did it because it’s a very adventurous thing as well.
How was your journey to the Miss Universe crown?
For me, becoming Miss Universe is always about being on a platform to do more. This is where I can help people. I am someone that is passionate about maternal health care and creating a difference. Becoming Miss Universe has not only amplified my voice but it has also helped me to create more awareness of the need to improve maternal health care.
I have been able to work in some hospitals, Randle General Hospital, Surulere, for example. At Randle, we do some care packages and we also help out with the bills of women at the hospital so that they can get the proper care that they need. And this is only possible because I became Miss Universe, which gave me the platform and the opportunity.
How was growing up like?
I grew up in Oworoshoki, Lagos. I’m an only child. That’s one of the reasons I decided to go for pageantry because I noticed, there, women are given a platform. I wouldn’t have been the only child of my mum if I had not lost my brother due to poor maternal healthcare at the time and that’s also the reason why I’m so passionate about it, because I want more people to know and be informed about the proper care they need. I grew up in Lagos.
What did you study in school?
I studied Biochemistry at the University of Lagos.
How did your family feel about your role as a beauty queen?
They knew I could manage it because I was already doing a corporate job, 9-to-5, before going into pageantry. Pageantry is hard work. You have to practise your catwalk, communication skills, even with the 9-to-5. They were open to it because I already had a stable job, but they also felt, since that’s something I was passionate about, they were supportive. Even when I won, they were my biggest supporters to go on the global stage, coming back home and even holding the title.
When are you giving up the title?
I believe I’m giving up the title on August 31, 2026. To continue in the legacy I’m already building, that is, maternal health care, my goal is to continue to build a world, basically, where there is more awareness of maternal health care. I also want to expand into education because I feel there’s a need for more people to advocate for a better education system here in Nigeria. When children are educated, they have a better future.
For me, it’s just about expanding the work I am already doing as Miss Universe Nigeria.
What is your kind of style?
Chic, sophisticated, elegant.
What are the lessons life has taught you?
Life has taught me the power of audacity and confidence. Sometimes the biggest difference between people who succeed and those who don’t is simply the courage to try. I’ve also learned not to be afraid of failure. If something doesn’t work out, I see it as a lesson or a redirection rather than a defeat. Every experience helps shape you into a stronger and more resilient person.
What were your memorable moments while growing up in Lagos as a teenager?
One of my most memorable moments growing up in Lagos was going to the market with my mum to shop for my Christmas clothes. My mum always treated me like a princess, but every Christmas she made it extra special by getting me a beautiful ball gown. I would look forward to it every year with so much excitement. Those moments mean a lot to me because they remind me of the love, care, and joy that filled my childhood.
Your likes and dislikes?
I enjoy reading because it allows me to learn new perspectives and grow as a person. I also love spending quality time with my family and friends because those moments keep me grounded. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, and I have a bit of a sweet tooth—I really enjoy cakes and ice cream.
As for my dislikes, I don’t like dirt or untidy environments, and I strongly dislike dishonesty. I’m also not the biggest fan of insects.
What kind of man will you likely marry?
I would like to marry a man who is respectful, kind, and intentional about life and relationships. Someone who values family, is faithful, and is God-fearing. I believe mutual respect and support are very important in a partnership. And of course… he should be good-looking too.
