By, David Simeon
The University of Benin community came alive on 20 February as students gathered for the 2026 annual edition of the Freshers’ Dinner Night, an event that culminated in the crowning of Mr and Mrs Fresh (UNIBEN).
At the close of the evening, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Mbah of the Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, emerged as Mr Fresh 2026, while Oruore-Mohammed Mazeedah Oghenevwegba of the Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, was named Mrs Fresh 2026.
The event, held as part of activities welcoming newly admitted students into the university community, celebrated confidence, poise and representation among first-year undergraduates. Both winners were presented with a cash prize of ₦200,000 each at the dinner ceremony.
Mbah’s emergence drew applause from members of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, where students and staff described his victory as a proud moment for the faculty. In congratulatory messages circulated after the event, colleagues commended his composure on stage and his representation of the faculty with what they termed ‘charisma and class’.
A statement issued by the faculty’s Public Relations Officer, Sunday Sophia, noted that the win reflected the faculty’s culture of encouraging excellence beyond academics. The statement described Mbah’s performance as graceful and expressive, adding that his emergence as Mr Fresh 2026 stood as a testament to the diversity of talent within the faculty.
On her part, Oruore-Mohammed Mazeedah Oghenevwegba impressed judges and attendees during the competition, representing the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS). She was applauded for her confidence and stage presence throughout the contest.
Students from the Department of Physiotherapy celebrated her win, describing it as a significant moment for the faculty. Her emergence as Mrs Fresh 2026 added to the growing list of achievements recorded by students of the faculty in extra-curricular engagements.
The Freshers’ Dinner Night became a notable social highlight within the University of Benin calendar, offering new students an opportunity to connect, showcase their talents and formally integrate into campus life. Beyond the glamour of the evening, organisers said the platform was designed to foster unity and encourage healthy competition among faculties.
With the 2026 title holders officially unveiled, attention shifted to the roles they were expected to play as ambassadors among their peers in the months ahead.
However, the 20 February event was remembered not only for the glitz of the runway but also for the celebration of student identity and faculty pride that defined the night.
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