Meet the first plus-size Miss Universe Nigeria contestant

However, Ufa Dania defies these stereotypes by being the first plus-size, dark-skinned woman to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

Ufa Dania is a content creator currently representing Kwara State. “Let’s redefine what it means to be a queen,” she said in her Miss Universe presentation video.

“The most controversial thing about me running this pageant is that I may not look like the standard ‘pageant girl,’ but I disagree. I can’t be put in a box.” She said this in a video posted on her Instagram page.

“My life’s journey has led me to this very moment. Since birth, I have always been round. I came into the world with the fullness of God.

“I was literally bullied my entire life, from freshman to senior year of high school. So imagine if you were fat then; now you have dark skin. I’m sorry, but your own skin is gone.” she said.

Although she has faced some criticism on social media, Dania has gained some self-assurance and is confident enough not to let negative comments shake her.

“But I rose from the ashes like a phoenix. I suffered from low self-esteem, low self-confidence and insecurity. But I learned from it and grew from it.

“What makes a woman a true queen is not just her appearance, but rather the fact that she pays attention to the cries and needs of the people in her community.” she said.

She currently sits third in the public vote, while Chidimma Adetshina is number one and Edeifo Aikhuele is number two.