Anita Ukah is a Nigerian model, entrepreneur, and beauty pageant winner, best known for winning the 2018 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) competition. She finished in the top 30 on the global stage as Nigeria’s representative at the Miss World 2018 competition in Sanya, China. Anita’s pageant career began in 2014, when she won the Miss Igbinedion University Okada title. Four years later, she represented Imo State at MBGN, winning the title in the grand final at the Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
She was also a finalist in Season 9 of Big Brother Naija, which had the theme “No Loose Guard,” and she won the Bella Naija x The She Tank BBNaija task winner reward for her exceptional performance on the ‘Her Money, Her Power‘ task.
Ukah who is well-known for her support of locally manufactured items, founded The Uzo Brand in 2018, a fashion accessories brand that specializes in leather goods made from locally sourced materials, with a concentration on bags. She has launched her own line under her brand, demonstrating her commitment to promoting Nigerian craftsmanship.
Your journey has been remarkable, from winning MBGN to launching a business rooted in Nigerian craftsmanship to being on a reality TV Show. Tell us a little bit about your background and journey.
My journey has been a blend of passions that each mean something special to me, from healthcare to pageantry to entrepreneurship. As a biomedical scientist and healthcare practitioner working in pediatrics, I’ve always been motivated to make a difference in people’s lives—whether through healthcare or in other areas where I can contribute to positive change. My work with children and families has taught me a lot and has shaped my outlook on life and service.
My pageant career began back in 2014 when I won the Miss Igbinedion University Okada title, which really opened my eyes to the platform pageantry could provide—not just for personal growth but for representing something bigger than myself. Winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria title in 2018 was a huge milestone and a true honor, especially getting to represent Nigeria on the global stage at Miss World. I learned so much from that experience, especially the importance of using my voice and platform to make an impact.
After MBGN, I found myself driven to build something more sustainable and long-term. I’d always been passionate about Nigerian craftsmanship, so I launched The Uzo Brand in 2018, focusing on fashion accessories made from locally sourced materials. Through Uzo Leather, I hope to support local artisans and showcase the quality and uniqueness of Nigerian craftsmanship, especially in leatherwork.
Then, Big Brother Naija was another unique experience that allowed me to connect with people on a whole new level. Being part of it helped me challenge myself in ways I didn’t expect and uncover things about myself, it’s also broadened my reach to new opportunities. Each step in my journey has been about embracing new challenges and finding ways to grow. It hasn’t always been easy, but I feel grateful for every experience that’s brought me to where I am today.
You were awarded the Bella Naija x The She Tank BBNaija task winner reward for your performance on the “Her Money, Her Power” task. What was your approach to excelling in this task, and how did it influence your perspective on financial empowerment for women?
Winning the Bella Naija x The She Tank task, ‘Her Money, Her Power,’ was truly meaningful for me, not only because of the recognition but also because of the purpose behind the task itself. Going into it, this task was much more than just a presentation to me —it was about creating a vision of financial independence and empowerment that could resonate with women across different backgrounds. My approach was to focus on practical, relatable ways that women can take charge of their financial journeys, even when facing societal challenges. I aimed to present ideas and examples that showed how financial empowerment can start with small steps and intentional choices, regardless of one’s starting point.
Personally, it also deepened my commitment to supporting other women, whether through mentorship, my business, or simply by sharing my own experiences. Financial empowerment is a journey that can transform lives, and it’s a mission I hope to continue championing in my own career and work with The Uzo Brand. Ultimately, the task was a powerful reminder that every woman has the potential to take control of her financial future, and that’s a message I’m passionate about spreading.
Fashion plays a big role in your career. How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my personal style as elegant, bold, and thought-through. I believe that fashion is a form of self-expression, and I love pieces that make a statement while still feeling chic. Whether I’m dressing for an event, a casual day, or a photo shoot, I aim for a look that combines sophistication with a touch of individuality—something that reflects my personality and values.
I also lean toward pieces that feel empowering and comfortable. Confidence is a big part of style, and I believe that when you’re comfortable and true to yourself, that confidence naturally shines through. Fashion is such an important part of my life and career, and it’s something I enjoy sharing with others, whether it’s through my brand or through the styles I wear every day.
As someone with a background in pageantry and modeling, how has your sense of style and identity influenced your design vision for The Uzo Brand?
My background in pageantry and modeling has indeed shaped my approach to style and design, and that influence is clear in my vision for The Uzo Brand. Pageantry taught me the power of presenting oneself with confidence and authenticity—qualities I want every piece from The Uzo Brand to inspire in its wearer. Modeling also opened my eyes to the versatility and depth of fashion, teaching me how a well-designed accessory can completely elevate a look and transform how a person feels.
In designing for The Uzo Brand, I draw on my sense of pride in Nigerian heritage and craftsmanship. I’ve always admired the richness of our culture, and I wanted to create a brand that celebrates that through fashion. By using locally sourced materials and working with skilled Nigerian artisans, The Uzo Brand highlights the beauty of African craftsmanship in each piece. My style is rooted in bold, elegant, and meaningful design, and that’s exactly what I aim to bring to our customers.
Another important part of my design vision is accessibility—creating pieces that feel luxurious but that are also practical and versatile, so women can wear them with confidence in any setting. I want people who wear The Uzo Brand to feel a sense of connection and empowerment, knowing they’re supporting local craftsmanship and embracing something uniquely Nigerian. Ultimately, The Uzo Brand is an extension of my own style and identity, and I hope it helps others feel as confident and proud of their heritage as I do.
Congratulations on the launch of your latest leather bag collection! What’s unique about this collection, and what message do you hope it conveys to consumers?
Thank you so much! I’m incredibly excited about this latest leather bag collection because it represents everything I envisioned when I first started The Uzo Brand. This collection is unique in the way it combines traditional Nigerian craftsmanship with a modern, elegant aesthetic. Each bag is handmade by skilled artisans using locally sourced leather, so every piece carries the story of Nigerian culture, talent, and heritage.
One of the things that sets this collection apart is the attention to detail in both the design and the craftsmanship. We’ve worked hard to create bags that are not only beautiful but also durable and functional, with designs that are versatile enough to suit a range of styles and occasions. From everyday use to special events, each bag is made to bring a sense of sophistication and pride to the wearer.
Through this collection, I want to convey a message of empowerment and cultural pride to consumers. I want people to see the quality of Nigerian craftsmanship and to feel connected to something deeply meaningful. I also hope to encourage others to invest in locally made products and support artisans who are preserving traditional skills and artistry. Each bag from this collection is a piece of art, a piece of heritage, and, most importantly, a symbol of empowerment for those who carry it.
What challenges did you face while putting together this leather bag collection, particularly with sourcing local materials and creating a quality product in Nigeria?
Creating this leather bag collection in Nigeria has been an exciting journey, but like any entrepreneurial venture, it came with its fair share of challenges. One of the main hurdles I faced was sourcing high-quality local materials. While Nigeria is rich in natural resources, finding consistent, reliable suppliers of top-notch leather that met our standards was not always easy. There were times when delays in supply or inconsistencies in material quality could affect the production timeline, and I had to be patient and adaptable.
Another challenge was working with artisans to ensure that their skills aligned with the vision I had for the brand. Nigeria has incredible talent, but not all of our artisans have access to the latest tools or resources. This meant a lot of back-and-forth to ensure that the designs I envisioned could be executed with precision and quality.
Despite these challenges, I see them as part of the process of building something meaningful and sustainable. The goal has always been to create a product that not only reflects the beauty of Nigerian craftsmanship but also contributes to the growth of the local fashion industry. I’ve learned so much along the way, and every challenge we’ve faced has only strengthened my commitment to producing high-quality, locally-made accessories.
With this new collection, what unique qualities or design elements are you excited for your customers to experience?
I’m really excited for our customers to experience the attention to detail and the story behind each piece in this new collection. Not only have we introduced new designs, but we’ve also brought back some of our long-time designs with slight redesigns to make them even better. These updated versions maintain the essence of what made them special while incorporating subtle changes that enhance their functionality, comfort, and overall appeal. It’s a perfect balance between honoring our original designs and evolving with the needs of our customers. We’ve also focused on creating pieces that are both stylish and versatile, able to transition seamlessly from day to night, from work to social occasions. Whether it’s a chic shoulder bag or an elegant tote, each bag is designed with practicality and fashion in mind. I’m really excited for our customers to not only experience the quality of the products but also feel a connection to the mission and values of the brand.
Your brand aligns with a growing appreciation for sustainable and locally made products. Where do you see The Uzo Brand in the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision The Uzo Brand as a leading force in promoting sustainable and locally made products, not just in Nigeria but on a global scale. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s through sourcing local materials, supporting artisans, or using eco-friendly processes.
As people become more conscious of where their products come from and the impact they have on the environment, I see The Uzo Brand playing an important role in shaping a new narrative for fashion that prioritises craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical production.
I also see the brand growing and expanding, reaching new markets while staying true to its roots. I want to increase our capacity to support more local artisans, providing them with the tools and training they need to continue preserving and evolving Nigerian craftsmanship. In five years, I’d love for The Uzo Brand to be synonymous with high-quality, handcrafted accessories that people recognise and respect for their authenticity and attention to detail, locally and internationally. Ultimately, my goal is to build a brand that not only makes beautiful products but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Nigerian culture, heritage, and the potential of local artisans. I want The Uzo Brand to inspire other businesses to invest in sustainable, locally sourced materials and to encourage consumers to make more thoughtful, impactful purchasing decisions.
