By Christy Anyanwu
Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Osun State in the Miss World Nigeria 2025 contest, on Friday night emerged victorious.
The grand finale of the keenly contested pageant took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and featured 22 ladies of charm, elegance and intelligence from across Nigeria.
Miss Osun captivated the judges and audience alike with her eloquence, confidence and dedication to societal development.
During the question-and-answer session, 24-year-old Joy, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, held the audience spellbound with her childhood story of losing her mother at a tender age and being mistreated by her caregiver supposedly meant to play the role of a mum.
That singular factor, she said, pushed her to strive for excellence, thereby wanting to tell other girls that they could become whatever they want to be in life, with resilience and determination.
Joy Raimi is passionate about humanitarian services and founded The Love for Humanity Project, which is dedicated to spreading love and restoring faith in humanity.
She emphasized that despite being told she would never amount to anything, she has proven otherwise by achieving this milestone.
As Miss World Nigeria 2025, Miss Osun will represent Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, India, from May 7 to 31, competing against contestants from 140 other countries.
Her victory brings pride to Osun State and also serves as an inspiration to young women nationwide, exemplifying the essence of beauty, intelligence and purpose.
The first runner-up at the glamorous event was Miss Abuja, Mercy Jessica; second runner-up, Miss
Abia, Deborah Anosike; third runner-up, Miss Ebonyi, Hilary Dada; and fourth runner-up, Miss Imo, Shelly Usman.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, chairman of the Silverbird Group, who has been instrumental in promoting beauty pageants in Nigeria.
In his address, Bruce emphasized the importance of empowering young Nigerian women to become global ambassadors.