The Mr. and Miss Nigeria pageant has been rebranded to Inferno Runway. It has also become the first pageant in the world to incorporate a fashion design reality show.
According to the organisers, the rebranding of Mr. and Miss Nigeria International signals a new era of innovation that combines the allure of pageantry with the creativity of a fashion design reality competition.
A statement by the organisers said the 2024 edition hosted in Akwa Ibom State marked a significant transformation as the event crowned not only the new Mr. and Miss Nigeria International but also its first-ever Fashion Designer Champion, Joel Namnso Thomas.This pioneering rebrand was brought to life through a partnership with FE TV HUB, a New York-based entertainment company owned by American producer Bob Cal, and Brendan Nsikak, the founder of Mr. and Miss Nigeria International. Together, they have created a platform that celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while elevating it to international fashion and entertainment stages.
“Inferno Runway: Mr. and Miss Nigeria International represents a bold new chapter where creativity meets glamour. We’re proud to be the first to merge pageantry and fashion design in a way that redefines what is possible for these industries,” said Brendan Nsikak.
The highlight of this year’s event was the fierce fashion design competition, where contestants showcased their talent on the runway, culminating in Joel Namnso Thomas winning the inaugural Fashion Designer Champion title. His innovative designs and dynamic personality captured the judges’ and audience’s attention, setting a high standard for future competitors.
According to Bob Cal, this rebrand aligns with FE TV HUB’s mission: “Our partnership with Brendan Nsikak and Inferno Runway is about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for talent from emerging markets like Nigeria to shine on global platforms.”
