Darego hails from Abonnema Rivers, and was born into a family of eight children. At ten, Darego was sent to boarding school in a bid to shield her from her mother who had breast cancer. Darego’s mother died two years later, and her daughter has spoken of how the loss prepared her for the future.

In November 2001, Darego traveled to South Africa to compete in the Miss World competition, beating Miss Scotland and Miss Aruba in the final round. Her victory in the pageant, hosted by American talk show host Jerry Springer, was widely welcomed in her home country, and her reign as MBGN was continued by Ann Suinner.

Her one year tenure included goodwill trips and scheduled appearances on behalf of the pageant. In addition, the organizers of the competition began preparations to host Miss World 2002 in Nigeria.

After spotting her at the Face of Africa event in Lagos, and then on the cover of Genevieve Magazine in Nigeria, we knew something was boiling with agbani, and couldn’t resist a sitdown with her. . . .

FashionAfrica.com: Wow, Agbani it’s so good to see/hear from you after all these years, although it didn’t hurt looking through fabulous international magazines, as well as L’Oreal ADs and seeing your face. . .

Agbani: Thank you.

FashionAfrica: What have you been up to?!

A: I’ve been working hard and studying for my degree in psychology at NYU.

FA: Why did you choose to do Psychology?

A: I’ve always found psychology fascinating. I saw and continue to see it in use in everyday day lives from the parent at home trying to discipline his/her child to the advertising exec trying to sell a product, and thought I would love to have a grasp of that someday…

FA: Do you think it will help you down in your career?

A: Definitely, I think of psychology as a great tool that would help in any career path. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have an understanding of the human mind and its idiosyncrasies

FA: Do you think the fact you have been away for so long will be a disadvantage or more of an advantage to your career?

A: I don’t see why it should be a disadvantage. I’m still me, and hope I’m welcomed into the homes of Africans all over.

FA: Haha, Grande! Talking about your Career, what’s next?!…

A: I’ve just signed to host the show “Stylogenic”, which I’m really excited about and looking forward to. Its an exciting concept and sure to be a hit. It has the thrills from a unique Style show that for once, takes consideration of the input of all the talents that work to give fashion the beauty, allure and appeal that we all love. This is contrary to the stereotype of other shows that are essentially one dimensional; so it gives viewers and TV networks more content and so much more excitement.

FA: What stage of the show are you at now?

A: We have just signed the paperwork. Next is my Promotional Tour for this gig. It will be in early March.

FA: Oh great, so where does your tour start? And I believe the show is “Pan-African” right?
A: Lagos. Yes, it’s Pan African.

FA: How long is the duration of the show?

A: It’s a 13episode series

FA: What should WE expect from the show?

A: Sparks, glam and …more glam. We’re lighting up TV, if you know what I mean. For Sponsors, they couldn’t have a better opportunity than this medium to connect with their markets- especially the young and youthful people as looking stylish is very dear to their hearts. You see, everybody loves to turn out good and stylish. As for me, expect to see me in a role that I am so very much excited about. For the contestants, I think it is time to present fashion in an entertaining format; a dimension that will also showcase the abundant talent that resides in so many young people. We will be inviting international buyers and Style Editors- the people who make stars out of talented people in the creative industries that make up the style business.

FA: Oh wow, we can’t be more excited than you, and this brings me to the question, asides from Nigeria (Of, course), what other African country will you say is the most stylish?

A: Tricky one, I think I’m going to give the beauty queen answer and say we all have our own flair of style

FA: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

A: St Moritz. It’s a winter vacation spot. I actually love the shopping more than I do the skiing. But the skiing is fun too!

FA: Well, I think it will be so unfair to our audience not to ask about your beauty regimen before you go, as well steal a little advice for those that look up to Agbani Darego.

A: You know the old saying “you are what you eat”. That’s the best advice I can give as far as regimen’s go… We all should be more aware of what we put in our body.