In a country where the majority of the population in the north is Muslim, and the majority in the south is Christian, Nigerians, numbering over 210 million, have proven that nothing can hinder the realization of dreams. Therefore, a mixed panel of judges chose Shatu Garko last Sunday to win the title of Miss Nigeria, as she was deemed the most suitable for the coveted title. Shatu, 18 years old, became the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to win the top beauty title in a competition that has sparked much controversy since its inception in 1957. Notably, in 1988, when contestant Stella Okoye won the title, the police had to escort her out of the venue after violent protests erupted from attendees who believed her skin was "too black," to the extent that some attempted to forcibly remove the crown from her head.
Shatu, who left the competition with a prize of 10 million naira (equivalent to 25,000 USD), along with advertising opportunities and a year’s stay in a luxury apartment with a car, did not face any issues, despite overcoming many challenges since she first posted a picture of herself online in a traditional "Hausa" dress, complete with a blouse, head wrap, and matching shawl, similar to what women in Kano state in northwestern Nigeria typically wear. She is now one of the most recognized figures from the competition.
