Many Nigerians know the popular name Agbani Darego, but very few are aware of the height of her achievement.

Whether you have heard popular singer Teni say “Agbani Darego no fine reach you” in her hit track “Power Rangers” or multi-award-winning singer Davido say “She fine pass Darego” in his hit track “Aye,” the name “Agbani Darego” is immortal as generations unborn will hear of her story.

Why, then, is Agbani Darego a household name despite not making the headlines on a daily basis?

On November 16, 2001, Agbani Darego made history by becoming the first indigenous African to win the Miss World Beauty contest.

The Nigerian beauty queen won the prize in the beautiful country of South Africa after beating 92 other contestants from different racial, ethnic, and geographical backgrounds.

During the contest, the Nigerian beauty, who was born in Lagos on December 22, 1982, won the heart of the audience when she was asked, “In these men’s world, what do you think you can change which men cannot?

Agbani replied: “First of all I entered Miss World competition because I know it is a very charitable organization. In these men’s world If there’s anything I can do and be is to help the less privileged in the society because I really really want to give them as much help I can give. I love helping the needy at whole times and have a great love for humanity that has helped me and promised me to be the best I can be and to help everyone in need.”

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Another captivating part of her victory story is the fact that she was just 18 when she won the contest.

Very few believed that a teenager from Africa would stun the globe and show great intellectual soundness and boldness.

Since she won the pageant in 2021, she has gone on to become a national symbol, especially in the fashion and modeling industry.

Agbani Darego’s story has inspired the present crop of fashion models and does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.