As Africa continues to export creative excellence to the world, and one of the names leading that charge is Ozoya Salami, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur making bold strides in beauty, pageantry, and youth empowerment. With nearly two decades of experience in the creative industry, he is fast rising as one of Africa’s brightest minds, reshaping the continent’s cultural narrative and positioning its creativity on the global stage.
Originally trained as an Electrical/Electronics and Computer Engineer, Ozoya took an unconventional path, turning his technical background into a foundation for leadership in the creative sector. His passion for identifying and nurturing talent, particularly among women, has led him to create platforms that amplify voice, confidence, and leadership.
His most remarkable achievements include the establishment of the Miss Independent International Pageant and the Miss Africa Queen Beauty Pageant. The maiden edition of Miss Independent International was staged in Manila, Philippines, in February 2025 and featured 17 contestants from different parts of the world including South Africa, Israel, Japan, France and India. The event was celebrated as a cultural melting pot and marked a new chapter in Africa’s ability to export creative platforms of global significance.
The Miss Africa Queen Beauty Pageant is also set to debut in Lagos, Nigeria, in April 2026. Designed to celebrate authentic African beauty, intellect, and impact, the pageant goes beyond crowning queens to mentoring them into becoming agents of change in their communities.
Ozoya’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a two-time recipient of the Creative Entrepreneur Africa Award in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 he was honoured as Eko Entrepreneur of the Year. These awards reflect not just his entrepreneurial brilliance, but his consistency in redefining Africa’s image in the global creative space.
More importantly, his platforms are producing women who are breaking new ground as entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, and leaders. From launching initiatives to fight gender-based violence to championing climate change action and youth development, his queens have become visible voices of impact.
Ozoya insists that beauty must be purpose-driven. “Be your own standard, and never apologize for dreaming big,” he often tells participants, a mantra that has inspired hundreds of young women who have passed through his mentorship.
As preparations intensify for future editions of his pageants, the Nigerian entrepreneur is already charting new directions with international partnerships and youth-centred initiatives. To him, pageantry is no longer just about glamour but an institution for leadership, cultural diplomacy, and empowerment.
Speaking on his vision, he said: “Africa has always had the creativity, the talent, and the stories. What we are doing now is creating platforms that prove to the world that we can lead, not just participate, in global cultural conversations.”
Nigeria, and indeed Africa, now celebrates Ozoya Salami as a son of pride and a creative force whose influence is still unfolding. His journey is a reminder that leadership and creativity, when merged with purpose, have the power to shift cultural paradigms. For the world, this may just be the beginning of witnessing his full impact.
Source: Modelsnaija.com.ng