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Miss Nigeria 2016, Chioma Obiadi and runners up speak about their good fortune

Pretty Miss Anambra, Chioma Obiadi is the winner of the 40th edition of Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, a couple of weeks back. The only girl from a family of four children, Chioma Obiadi took us into her world and how she made it to the top and more…

 

What was your immediate reaction when you were declared the winner?

I was really excited that I emerged Miss Nigeria, but after a while, I felt it was more than being a pretty face and going around. Now, I have so many people looking up to me. I am representing my country and I have to deliver. I cannot afford to disappoint. It dawned on me that I have many more responsibilities than being a pretty lady.

How did you join the train of Miss Nigeria?

I have always wanted to be Miss Nigeria. It was my ambition. It came up at a very young age. I can’t really remember what inspired it. My parents used to call me Miss World from a very small age. (It means my Miss World). I also like to feel like a beauty queen. That was how I got my nickname, Princess Tyra. I feel like a beauty queen.

Growing up and realizing what a beauty queen means, I made up my mind to make an impact, to make a change on my world and uplift the lot of women. I hope I would be a voice for the young women and women generally with the platform I have been given.

Can you recall your parents’ reaction when you won?

They were excited. They said finally their Miss World has become everybody’s Miss Nigeria. They were so excited. They gave me all the support I could ever ask for. They were so supportive and I thank them for that.

Did they not think about the challenges it might bring?

They thought about it. I am the only girl and I am really close to my mom. They trust me and she believes I would come to her anytime I have a challenge. She is my mom. She would tell me the right way to go. She instructs me to come to her first for whatever I need. I share everything with my mom.

Let us into your camp experience?

It was amazing. Like I said, I grew up as the only girl. I was not used to having so many girls around me. Having 36 sisters around me was amazing. I had so much fun and I enjoyed every bit of it. It also taught me that there are a lot to life. When you meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, you get to learn a lot.

All these put together make you different and a better person. I believe my camp experience has made me a better person.

How challenging was it going into camp with many beautiful ladies?

I was happy at first. I noticed all the girls were pretty and some outspoken. They all had so many features. I felt threatened. I did a rethink about it and also prayed about it and I said, I would give it my best. If I win, I know it is God that wants me to do it.

I focused on making friends, learning and I was able to better myself.

Who posed a threat to you?

All of them. They all had something good, something exceptional.

What preparations did you make before going for the competition?

I had been in a couple of pageants so I knew most of the tricks. I have a stylist in Awka (Anambra State) that made what I am wearing and a couple of other things. I have someone who is like a big sister in my school, she gave me  makeup training for four days.

My mom gave me the courage and support needed too. It was contributions here and there from family and everyone. I thank God also.

How much of your life has changed since then?

It is unbelievable how many hours out of the 24 hours I spend on phone in the past few days. It is fantastic and amazing. It feels good to know there are people who want you to succeed, people you can actually count on. It also feels very tasking whatever you do is not about you alone, it rubs on millions of people. I have to be careful with everything. My actions are so important now.

How did your schoolmates take your success?

I had a group with some of my school mates, they are planning to stage a party for me when I get back. I miss them and I am looking forward to seeing them again.

Tell us about the other pageants you have been to?

My first pageant was in my department, Geography and Metrology. I didn’t know what pageant was then. As God would have it, I won. That opened my eyes to a lot of things. Pageantry has been life changing for me.

Tell us about your pet project?

There is an ongoing project which I would also work on but there is a specific aspect I like so much, that is the fact that biological waste can be converted to electricity. It is funny the volume of waste produced in Nigeria daily and we lack adequate electricity.

In Sweden for example, they convert their waste to electricity. Sweden is a small country. They don’t have one third of what we have here in Nigeria. It would be good if we convert our waste to electricity and that would stop the challenge of power failure. We deserve regular electricity in Nigeria.

What would you miss now that you are a queen?

I would miss going to the mall regularly with my friends. I will miss the normal life.

At the end of your reign, what do you hope to achieve?

By the end of my reign, I hope I would be able to move people from level A to level B. I hope a lot of Nigerians would say if not for Chioma, she made me this, provided this.

I want to create a positive impact on everyone I come across. I want the whole world to know that Nigerians are better people than they perceive us to be. We are great people.

  • SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
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