Isabella Ayuk

Early life

Born into a polygamous family, Ayuk is the twentieth out of twenty-four children. She studied Business Administration at the University of Calabar, graduating in 2011, and is currently serving as a youth corper. Prior to winning MBGN, she had been a veteran contestant who had competed in the 2009 and 2010 editions, as well as Miss Nigeria 2004, Miss South South 2007, and Miss Global Nigeria 2009. As one of the few contestants to represent their actual state of origin. She is one of the few none South East women to win the title since Celia Bissong in 2003 and Agbani Darego 2001 all from the South South. .

MGBN

Ayuk was crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in a ceremony held at the Best Western Hotel in Benin City in May 2012. Her main platform is Typhoid Awareness in memory of her sister who died of the disease.

Controversy

Towards the end of May 2012, it was reported that Ayuk had falsified her age in order to compete in the pageant (she was said to be in her thirties when she finally won the title after participating in past editions), thus introducing the county's biggest pageant scandal since 2001 when Valerie Peterside was dethroned as Miss Nigeria for similar reasons Although Ayuk herself is yet to comment, organisers Silverbird have come to her defense by stating that contrary to popular belief, Ayuk has not been dethroned and will continue to reign as MBGN 2012. She did not represent Nigeria at Miss World, but was replaced by MBGN 2012 runner-up Damiete Charles-Granville