Regina Askia-Williams: 10 Defining Moments from Nigeria to America

Regina Askia-Williams traces a life that moved from village streams and family traditions to Nigerian television, international pageantry and America’s medical clinics. In an interview, she describes the experiences she believes shaped her culture, courage, transformation and resilience.

Her first decade remains central to that story. During school holidays, she stayed in her maternal and paternal grandparents’ villages, where she picked fruit, swam in streams, made earthenware pots, attended church and watched Christmas masquerades. She also listened to folklore and moonlit tales. Although her family was not wealthy, she recalled being surrounded by extended family and having the support of aunties, a driver and an Italian cook.

Askia-Williams said those years taught her culture, community and survival. She learned to sew, sculpt, make pottery, keep a home and live from the land. She also expressed gratitude that her mother remains alive at 94.

Her crowning as Miss University of Lagos in 1988 changed the direction of her life. While studying Biology, she found that the title gave her a wider public platform and taught her that visibility brought responsibility. Two years later, she represented Nigeria at Miss Charm International in Leningrad, Russia, where she finished first runner-up. She also became the first Nigerian contestant at Miss International in Japan, where her traditional costume received strong recognition.

Pageantry led to modelling campaigns for brands including Visine by Pfizer, Kessingsheen Hair Care and Collectibles. Her acting breakthrough came in 1993, when she played Tokunbo Johnson in the NTA series “Fortunes,” later known as “Mega Fortunes.” The role connected her with audiences across Nigeria and helped transform her from a beauty queen and model into a nationally recognised actress. She also recalled the 1990s and early 2000s as defining Nollywood years, appearing in films including “Most Wanted,” “Full Moon,” “Suicide Mission,” “Vuga” and “The President’s Daughter.”