Ugoaru Onuoha is making her mark as a bright and promising force in Nigeria’s beauty pageant industry. For her, pageantry is more than glamour — it is a platform to promote leadership, mental health, and self-confidence.
When asked why she chose to pursue modeling, Onuoha explained: “My passion for mental health and leadership inspired me to start. I saw the platform as an opportunity to serve, lead, and grow into a stronger woman. Agbani Darego also inspired me. She won Miss World, and I want to win a crown for my country too.”
Onuoha credits her determination, courage, self-control, and strong faith in God as the traits that have helped her succeed so far. She also acknowledged the role of professional training, saying she was guided by mindset and confidence coach, Chidimma Nwokolo.
After graduating with a pharmacy degree from the University of Nigeria, she decided to take bold steps toward her dream. “I believed I was made for more. With my education secured, I took leaps of faith toward this dream,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience representing Katsina State at the 2022 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, Onuoha described it as both challenging and rewarding. “It was a new experience as I’ve always represented Imo State. I embraced it with gratitude, confidence, and resilience. MBGN is prestigious, and the care and love were unmatched. There is always room for improvement,” she noted.
For Onuoha, the highlight of her career has been her personal growth and resilience. “I choose myself and my journey as my highlight. I overcame obstacles that were discouraging and unfair. I hope to be an inspiration to young women to love, believe, and celebrate who they are. I don’t let the decisions of judges, organizers, or society define me. I want everyone to have that strong mindset to define who they are and still respect others.”
To young women aspiring to join beauty pageants, she offers heartfelt advice: “The lessons you learn in pageants are life lessons. Leadership, compassion, spiritual awakening, self-control, and emotional awareness will help you in every area of life. You will grow in confidence, build networks, and discover opportunities to be better. Get a coach if you can, and always research the pageant to be sure its vision aligns with yours. Most importantly, remember you are a star with or without a crown — shine as bright as you can.”
With her strong voice, resilient spirit, and commitment to empowering women, Ugoaru Onuoha continues to inspire a new generation of young women in Nigeria and beyond.
