Manny Ita
The Misty Glam Company has concluded Nigeria’s first-ever Albinism Advocacy Pageant, crowning entrepreneur and gospel artist Anita Chidiebube-Dike as the inaugural queen at a grand finale held in Lagos. The event, themed “Beauty in Inclusivity,” was organized in collaboration with the Albinism Association of Nigeria to shift the narrative from traditional beauty standards toward social advocacy and leadership. Chidiebube-Dike, who also leads Anibrieght Ventures, secured a prize package featuring N500,000 in cash, a digital skills scholarship, and beauty products valued at over N3 million. Upon receiving the crown, the new queen stated, “My first priority is to create an engaging content that will bring the strength and show the strength and positive impact of persons with albinism in our society.”
The pageant featured a diverse runway that included models with albinism, vitiligo, and physical disabilities, signaling a deliberate effort to integrate marginalized communities into the mainstream fashion industry. Misturah Abisola Owolabi, the founder of Misty Glam Company, noted that the initiative was designed to challenge long-standing industry norms, asserting that “this pageant is not just about crowning a queen; it is about raising voices.” The judging panel, which included representatives from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, evaluated the ten finalists based on their advocacy pitches, talent showcases, and responses to societal issues such as skin cancer prevention and discrimination.
The success of the event has prompted the announcement of broader inclusivity projects scheduled for rollout in 2026. These include the debut of a disability-inclusion digital learning platform and a pioneering “Disability Runway Show” aimed at strengthening professional opportunities for individuals across diverse abilities. Organizers emphasized that the pageant served as a “cultural thanksgiving” and a declaration that identity should not serve as a barrier to leadership. Chidiebube-Dike added that her victory represents a “collective victory for people living with albinism everywhere,” underscoring her commitment to using her platform for nationwide public education.
Stakeholders within the creative economy have lauded the event as a significant step toward genuine representation in Nigeria. By combining the visibility of pageantry with rigorous advocacy training, the initiative sought to equip participants with the confidence to navigate spaces where they have historically been underrepresented. The Misty Glam Company confirmed its ongoing commitment to inclusive modeling, stating that it will continue to represent unconventional talents as it prepares for a series of advocacy campaigns led by the newly crowned queen throughout the coming year.
