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My confidence won me the crown, says Miss Lagos Carnival 2014

Miss Lagos State University (LASU), 2012, Ajoke Badmus adorned a crown again as Miss Lagos Carnival 2014, at the beauty pageant that drew the curtain on the Easter festivities in Lagos.

In this no holds barred interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the queen explained the combination of factors that got her the coveted crown and much more…

20140421_145955Congratulations! How does it feel emerging Miss Lagos Carnival 2014?

I am surprised, excited and happy. In fact, I feel really great because I never knew or expected to win the contest. It is a due honour because I did my best arriving at that stage of the contest and also emerging the winner. So, I feel really blessed and grateful to the Almighty God.

What was your winning strategy?

I achieved that by being myself in order to bring out the best in me because if I had tried to be someone else, I may not have emerged winner. So, being natural was what brought out the best in me.

What gave you an edge over other contestants?

My confidence, and I believe my smile did the trick because I know and I have been told on several occasions. I knew I had all it takes to emerge winner and that conquered all challenges for me. Although I had stage fright, at the same time, I did not allow anything or anyone be a threat to me.

While going for the competition, did you ever think you would win?

Basically, my intention was to have fun, meet people and also eat (laughs). Apart from representing myself, I was representing a Lagos family at the carnival. Apart from coming out with the crown, I also made sure I had maximum fun and left the rest to God because I know I couldn’t have done it all by myself and I didn’t make it a do or die affair.

Which of the contestants posed a threat to you?

Everybody was a threat because we were all there to put in our best and each contestant had one unique thing that made them distinct. At the same time, not all threats would kill you. So I put in my best and was not scared.

How would you describe the experience?

The experience was much more academic than a competition because I learnt a lot due to the different trips that we made. We visited places like, the Kalakuta Museum, Abesan Centre, visited the Old People’s Home to show love, Girls Correctional Centre and Nike Art Gallery. It was a lovely and memorable experience. I learnt a lot and gained knowledge at the same time.

Would you say your experience as Miss LASU 2012, gave you an edge in this competition?

Yes, because there were some things I learnt during the previous pageant that I applied in this one. I already knew the rudiments of pageantry, have an idea of how to answer questions, how to carry myself and catwalk and how to boost my self confidence on stage.

What pet project are you looking at?

While I was Miss LASU in 2012, I had a project on Breast Cancer Awareness. So this time I would like to go into Cervical Cancer Awareness because a lot of people are still ignorant about this deadly disease. I would use any opportunity to make women aware of the disease. I would still love to visit the Old People’s Home to spend quality time with them and many more.

IMG_20140419_232012_edit1Why are you so particular about cancer?

Few years back, I lost a very close friend to cancer because she was ignorant. It really touched me and since then, I have made up my mind to fight cancer with every opportunity I get.

What were the prizes that came with the crown and have they been released to you?

It came with a huge cash price, a brand new Kia car and lots more. As for the redemption, the prizes would be officially handed over in a couple of days where the organizers would be hosting an awards night as well as honour other contestants and carnival groups.

How do you intend making use of your cash prize?

I will put God first by paying my tithe and every other thing follows. But basically, I have not really thought about what to do with the money.

How do you intend to juggle school life and an ambassador of Lagos State?

The Lord will continue to be my strength but at the same time, there is something called equilibrium which will enable me balance both sides by not failing in the area of my academics and also not failing in carrying out my responsibilities as a beauty queen.  I have done it before and can do it again.

Which one of them is your priority?

Both are very important to me. My academics is important because that is my primary objective at the moment. Being a beauty queen is also an important part of my life that would determine my future. Everything is not all about education, you can explore other ways of putting your life together. Two things can be done at the same time, it just requires as care and attention.

How would you describe your reign as Miss LASU 2012?

It was wonderful, I look back at the days that I was able to do one or two things in school. Even students and staff would proudly say nice things about me. Even when I won Miss Lagos Carnival, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU called to congratulate me and expressed how happy he was for making the school proud. If I had not represented myself or did anything disgraceful, they would not have acknowledged me. Being Miss LASU was awesome.

From experience, how would you make this reign better?

I intend to use all necessary resources I need this time. Right now I have all the important persons I need to help me whenever I need them to be a better queen this time.

What have you been most grateful for?

All thanks to God. And I am really grateful that I never been in a hurry in the sense that while I finished secondary school in 2008, I could did not gain admission into the university for over a year. And I gained admission into Lagos State University, LASU  I was not happy because I wanted UNILAG. Thinking of it now, if I had gotten admission into another school would I have accomplished what I have today? I know there is time for everybody and when your appropriate time comes, you will get what you want. I give thanks to God because everything came out well. I was in 200level when I won Miss LASU and now I just got into my final year when I won Miss Lagos Carnival 2014. Maybe if I had gotten to school when my mates did, I would not have achieved what I have today.

How do your parents feel?

My dad is late but I’m sure he is proud of me. My mom never believed I would have gone into pageantry but when I won Miss LASU, I never told her I was contesting so when I won she was happy. Even when I was going for Miss Lagos Carnival, I did not tell her too and she is really happy and proud of me.

Who are you thankful to?

I want to acknowledge all those that helped me. My chaperones, Mrs. Salau and Mrs. Amusan, they were two wonderful persons that helped not only me but all of us during and after the contest. I would also thank Mrs. Morounronti Alebiosu, she is a wonderful and great woman. I also thank my friend, Sunmisola, who brought the whole idea of me going into pageantry.

– DOLAPO AMODENI

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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