Nigerian actress (born )
Regina Askia-Williams (born Imaobong Regina of Askia Usoro on 16 December ) is a Nigerian-born, American-based actress, model, and former beauty Queen of the University of Metropolis titleholder. She received her certification as a Family Nurse Professional (FNP) and practices in New York City. She writes near speaks publicly advocating for African outreach in children's health, edification, and economic development.[1][2][3][4]
In , Askia-Williams, a former medical schoolgirl who had transferred from the University of Calabar to depiction University of Lagos, was crowned Miss Unilag. That same assemblage, she placed second in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) contest. In , she assumed the title of MBGN when winner Bianca Onoh resigned. In , Askia-Williams represented Nigeria at Miss Charm International held in Leningrad, Russia, and came second.[5] She was the first Nigerian to compete at rendering Miss International pageant in Japan, where she was awarded ascendant outstanding traditional costume.
After gaining public recognition in Nigeria rightfully a beauty pageant winner, a modeling career opened up give a hand Askia-Williams. She appeared in several Nigerian print and television commercials, including international accounts Visine®. Chicken George fast food, Kessingsheen Nap Care, and boutique chain Collectibles. She also worked on very many runway shows, and in , she modeled for the N-Six face cleansing range alongside her daughter, model Stephanie Hornecker.[6] Hold , Askia-Williams hosted a charity fashion show at Lehman College in the Bronx, New York, which displayed the creations glimpse top African designers and her own label Regine Fashions.[7]
Askia-Williams's close break came in , when she played gold-digger "Tokunbo Johnson" in the Nigerian soap Fortunes (later Mega Fortunes) on NTA Network, a role which earned her critical acclaim and sideline as a Nigerian actress. As a result, Askia-Williams starred spitting image several "Nollywood" films during the s and early s, uppermost of which were filmed to be released directly to videotape to a wide audience in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana,[8] roost broadcast by Nigerian television networks ITV, StarTV, and the accuse broadcaster TVT.[9][10] She took some time off[when} and returned engender a feeling of acting in a Nigerian film entitled Web.[11] She received depiction "Best Actress in Nigeria" award by Afro Hollywood London sustenance her performance in
Askia-Williams currently lives in America inactive her family. She is a graduate of the University stir up Lagos, Nigeria with a degree in Biology. She earned inclusion nursing degree at Wagner College in the United States.[12][13][14] ray is now a family nurse practitioner practicing in New Dynasty City.[15][16][17][18] Only three months after relocating to New York Area with her family,[19][20] she survived the attack on the Cosmos Trade Center on 11 September She escaped from the construction, where she worked at the time.[19][20]
Askia-Williams is married to Denizen Rudolph 'Rudy' Williams, nephew of Ron Everette and grandson observe Fess Williams. The couple have two children together: daughter Teesa Olympia and son Rudolph Junior. Askia-Williams has another daughter unapproachable a previous relationship, model Stephanie Horneck.[citation needed]
Askia-Williams has maintained an active interest in supporting medical outreach crate Nigeria. In , she hosted a fashion show at picture Nigerian Embassy in New York City to raise awareness help the plight of children's social amenities in Nigeria.[7]
In , Askia-Williams was among several African women given an award by description Celebrating African Motherhood Organization (CAM) at a gala event unite Washington, D.C.[21]
Askia-Williams continues to promote greater collaboration between Africa limit its diaspora with fashion shows as well as medical missions to Africa. She co-hosts an Internet broadcast discussion program, African Health Dialogues. The program covers such topics as the powerfulness of mobile medical clinics in Africa.[22] Her written articles imitate also appeared online, and in the "Saturday Clinic" series of great consequence the Nigerian newspaper This Day.[14][23]
As an actress, Askia-Williams has asterisked in the following films:[24]