Tomi Lydia Salami, the Nigerian contestant for the Exquisite Face Of The Universe world finals lost out on the crown and $10,000 cash prize at the grand finale event, which took place recently at Eko Hotels & Suite.

The Kwara State indigene made it to the top five finalists after the national costume, swimwear and evening gown rounds but failed to make it to the final three. She however carted away two awards for Best National Costume and Most Eloquent.

Miss Salami who is passionate about women and children said she would work towards educating women and children with or without the crown.

The Exquisite Face Of The Universe 2013 world finale had over 30 beauty queens from different countries around the world was won by Miss Dominican Republic, 19 year old Susan Castano, after a thorough selection process based on beauty, body, confidence and mannerism. The panel of judges included Wife of MD/CEO Nigerian Breweries Plc., Clementine Vervelde, Founder & CEO of Positive Runway, Justina Mulale, Tony White, Sola "Mr Mahogany" Oyebade, Executive Director, Unicorn Foundation Ghana, Kris Lutterodt Azu and Group Managing Director, Stallion Group Automobile, Nigeria, Parvir Singh.

The event, which held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island yesterday, was hosted by Kenyan radio personality, Angela Angwenyi and featured exciting performances from top entertainment icons, Tiwa Savage and 2Face.

The beauty queens opened the pageant with a dance performance of Nigeria's latest moves such as Skelewu, Azonto and Etighi, dressed in the Nigerian Iro and Buba attire. Popular comedian, Buchi left guests in stitches as he reeled out rib cracking jokes. "The reason we chose to host this 5th edition of the Exquisite Face Of The Universe in Nigeria is to portray a positive image of Nigeria while showcasing Africa's rich cultural diversity. We also believe this pageant can help attract investment opportunities in the tourism sector" opined Project Director, Ethel Okosun during the event.

The contestants came out in similar bright orange ensembles for the swimwear category exiting the stage to Wande Coal's 'Rotate.' The evening gown category also them in form fitting bespoke floor length gowns. After the rounds, Miss Brazil won the best Evening Wear, Miss Colombia won the Swimwear category, Miss Hungary emerged tops in the Talent competition while Miss Ghana won the Best Walk. Miss Italy won Miss Congeniality, Best Poise and Attitude went to Miss Dominican Republic while Miss Nigeria won double for Most Eloquent and Best National Costume. Miss Netherlands stood out for being the being the most Photogenic, Miss Universe Africa and Miss Universe Europe went to Miss Kenya and Miss Pannonia respectively.

Pop Icon, 2Face came on stage to perform some of his hit songs such as 'One Love', 'African Queen' and ended the performance with Implication. He congratulated all the contestants telling them they were all winners as he exited the stage.

All contestants were welcomed back on stage with Bruno Mars If I Was Your Man playing in the background. The top five finalists were rounded up while the final three were selected after a Q&A session with the judges. While responding to the judges, Miss Sweden Tewoldeberhan Makda noted she never experienced any negative thing throughout her seven-day stay in Nigeria. While waiting for the judges' decision on the final three, guests were treated to a live performance of Sunny Okosun's song, African Soldier by Eazy Okosun, brother to the late gospel legend.

After an arduous screening process based on outfits, appearance, confidence and mannerism, judges announced Miss Brazil, Souza Paula as the 2nd runner up with a cash prize of 2000 USD. Miss Sweden was crowned 1st runner up with an additional cash prize of 4000 USD while Miss Dominican Republic, Susan Castano emerged winner Exquisite Face of the Universe, 2013 amidst fire works and glitters on stage with a bonus cash prize of 10,000 USD. Speaking excitedly amidst tears after being crowned by Founder & CEO of Exquisite Face of the Universe, Evelyn Addy-Sackey, Miss Dominican Republic said she would use her new position to champion the course of malaria and HIV eradication.