The preliminary gala of the Miss Universe pageant commenced on the evening of Wednesday, November 15, at the “José Adolfo Pineda” National Gymnasium in El Salvador. This event marked the prelude to the grand finale, featuring Miss Universe Nigeria, Mitchel Ihezue, along with 84 other contestants.
The evening showcased the contestants as they confidently paraded in swimsuits and elegant gala dresses, each uniquely chosen in collaboration with their respective teams.
At the prelims, Mitchel showed off her swimwear, evening gowns and national costume to some judges to help her get a spot in the semi-finals. So far, Mitchel has spent the last week touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in El Salvador.
Let’s take a closer look at what she wore for the occasion
The national costume represents the power and impact women have had on Nigeria throughout the nation’s history. It is an an amalgamation of core elements from 3 notable queens who have had significant influence on the history of Nigeria and have made their marks as forces for good.
Queen Moremi: The staff represents Queen Moremi, a Yoruba queen and heroine of the Ife kingdom (present day south west region of Nigeria) who sacrificed herself for the liberation of her kingdom and people.
Queen Idia: A Queen Idia mask is seen on the costume. She, a queen and a great warrior played a major role in the great victory of the Benin kingdom. History notes that she was instrumental in the rise and reign of one of the greatest kings of the Benin kingdom having raised one of the greatest armies in the history of Nigeria.
Amina, Queen of Zazzau: The headpiece, and cape are representations of Queen Amina, a conqueror and warrior whose notable prowess were responsible for the expansion of the present day north western region of Nigeria. Her reign saw to the existence of trade routes through Northern Africa.
The spears showcase the queenship and fierceness of these queens who defied odds to create indelible marks in the great nation of Nigeria. With this costume, my story is clear, women are stronger than the society has labeled them to be and we can truly be a force for good.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-person-holds-a-tim-hortons-coffee-cup-in-their-car.jpg?id=56170086&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C12%2C0%2C12"/><br/><br/><p>Following a weekend dominated by <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canada-trump-trudeau-tariffs" target="_blank">trade war tensions</a>, Canadians can at least count on one small victory — thanks to <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/tim-hortons" target="_blank">Tim Hortons</a>.</p><p>After years of only being able to play Roll Up To Win through the Tim Hortons app, the classic paper roll-up cups are making a comeback in 2025.</p><p>According to the restaurant chain, from February 24 to March 23, Tim Hortons locations across Canada will bring back the iconic rollable rims. This means you can actually roll up your cup again to reveal a prize, just like the good old days.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFnI7aORny3/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFnI7aORny3/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Fans of the restaurant chain were delighted by the news of the cups' return, with many sharing their excitement on social media</p><p>"I'M SO EXCITED!!! The nostalgia of rolling the rim is unmatched," one enthusiastic Instagram user exclaimed in the comments section of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFnI7aORny3/" target="_blank">announcement post</a>.</p><p>"I've never felt so heard, Tim's," someone else wrote. </p><p>"This made my year," another chimed in.</p><p>Over on X, reactions were similar as folks celebrated the news.</p><blockquote class="rm-embed twitter-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1886784000326349071">
<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrWe79/status/1886784000326349071"></a>
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<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/www_zoloft_com/status/1886416834259288500"></a>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><p>Meanwhile, some made memes reflecting their elation.</p><blockquote class="rm-embed twitter-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1886785164023402967">
<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/Q104Halifax/status/1886785164023402967"></a>
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<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/melissaroyle/status/695231326614466560"></a>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><p>Tim Hortons, which launched the Roll Up The Rim campaign back in 1986, says the idea to bring back the classic cups after they were switched to a digital-only option in 2020 came from the success of the brand's 60th anniversary in 2024. However, it appears the cups are only back for a limited time, and supplies won't last.</p><p>"Guests loved celebrating the 60th anniversary of Tim Hortons with us last year and it inspired us to bring back some classic Roll Up cups this year for a limited time – get them while you can as we expect they'll go fast!" said Hope Bagozzi, Tim Hortons Chief Marketing Officer in a <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/roll-up-cups-are-back-starting-feb-24-play-tim-hortons-roll-up-to-win-on-the-tims-app-and-while-supplies-last-on-our-hot-beverage-cups--802539441.html" target="_blank">Monday press release</a>.</p><p>For those who prefer to use the app, Tims Rewards members will get a digital roll with every eligible purchase of a hot or cold beverage, breakfast sandwich, wrap, or meal item. Bonus rolls can be earned by using a reusable cup, buying Tims At Home products, or signing up for a Tim Mastercard.</p><p>As for prizes? This year's lineup includes electric Volkswagen vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, seven-night vacation getaways, TVs, smartphones, gift cards, free coffee and donuts, and more.</p>
