# Mr Ideal Nigeria

Mr Ideal Nigeria which was established in 2010 is an annual pageant that empowers young men in Nigeria physically, socially and economically. The winner of Mr Ideal Nigeria automatically represents Nigeria at Mister Africa International. Mr Ideal Nigeria emerged best male pageant brand of the year at the Eko Heritage awards in 2023.
The pageant was created by House of Twitch and has produced notable figures in the entertainment sector, including Mister Africa International, Emmanuel Umoh, (1st Nigerian to win Mr Africa), Yemi Cregz (Big Brother Housemate), Alvin Abayomi, Hermes and Gedoni (Big Brother house mates), Nollywood Actor Jidekene (from living in Bondage) Zeal (Mercedes Benz Fashion week), Zander (Dubai Fashion week) and several others
The current title holder is Daniel Olatunji

## Competition

Every year contestants are being selected from all 36 states in Nigeria and the FCT to contest for the title. Registration is done on their official website and is open to all Nigerian males. As at 2023, the winner of this pageant gets a cash prize of 5 million naira, a car, scholarship to Royal Arts Academy, becomes an ambassador to top fashion labels, and also represent Nigeria at the Mister Africa International.
Other winners that are being crowned at the competition is Mr Ideal Nigeria-Tourism, Mr Ideal Nigeria-Earth, Mr Ideal Nigeria-ECOWAS, who stands a chance to represent Nigeria at Mr Tourism World in Brazil and Man of the World in Philippines.

## History

The maiden edition of the Mr Ideal Nigeria competition was launched in 2010 and was held in Akure and has since then become an annual event and a life changing one for its participants. A total of 15 successful editions have been held annually since 2010.
The Mr Ideal Nigeria 2012 raised money for children who have been affected by the recent bombings in the country in partnership with Project Friendship Initiative.
Some notable persons that emerged from Mr Ideal Nigeria are; Emmanuel Umoh (1st Nigerian to win Mister Africa), Yemi Cregz (Big Brother Housemate), Alvin Abayomi, Hermes and Gedoni (Big Brother house mates), Jidekene (from living in Bondage) Zeal (Mercedes Benz Fashion week), Zander (Dubai Fashion week) and several others.
The likes of Stan Nze, Big Brother Naija stars Boma and Yerins, Victor Okpala have all graced the pageant as judges

## International level

Mr Ideal Nigeria 2019, Emmanuel Umoh became the first Nigerian to win the Mr Africa International title since its inception in 2011. The 6’3 ft model from Akwa Ibom State, edged out 24 other contestants from other African countries.
Mr Ideal Nigeria 2023, Rickie Mannie became the second Nigerian to emerge Mr Africa International beating 30 other contestants from other African countries to the title
Mr Ideal Nigeria runner-up, 2024, Dr. Jide Ayomide represented Nigeria in Salvador de Bahia, Brazilmaking him Nigeria’s first representative in the Mister Tourism World competition.

## Titleholders

List of winners of Mr Ideal Nigeria from its inception :
| Year | Titleholder | Notes |
| 2010 | Wale Bello | Represented Nigeria at the WCOPA in Los Angeles winning the best model medal |
| 2011 | Ayotunde Ajiboye | CEO of Clipse Entertainment |
| 2012 | Abayomi Alvin | Now a Nollywood actor and model |
| 2013 | Dayo Ifepariola | Modelled at Mercedez benz fashion week, Abuja |
| 2014 | Stanley Igwilo | Emerged Mr West Africa. Now the CEO of Next Fitness outfit, Abuja. |
| 2015 | John Iwueke | Walked some of the biggest runways, appeared in commercials for Airtel Nigeria, Vodafone Uganda etc. |
| 2016 | Prince Ehirim | Featured in movie Calabash. covered several magazines including Ultimate Fitness, La Mode Magazine. |
| 2017 | Steve Onyeneke | Emerged face of 9mobile. walked on several fashion shows including African fashion week Nigeria. |
| 2018 | Chuckie Ihebuzor | Emerged 2nd runner up at Mr Africa international. He is currently the face of BYC, an international underwear company. |
| 2019 | Emmanuel Umoh | Emerged Mr Africa international 2019 |
| 2020 | Jodrey Alabi | Represented Nigeria at Mr Africa International |
| 2021 | Anthony Okechukwu | Humanitarian and entrepreneur |
| 2022 | Ronald Shakur | I.T consultant |
| 2023 | Rickie Mannie | Emerged Mr Africa International 2023 |
| 2024 | Daniel Olatunji | Represents Nigeria at Mr Africa International |

## Awards and nominations

| Award | Year | Category | Results | Ref. |
| Eko Heritage Awards | 2023 | Best Male pageant brand of the year | Won | |