Encomium
Twenty-one year old student, Chioma Okafor, on Saturday, September 13, 2014, defeated 29 other contestants to emerge victorious in the Miss Intercontinental Nigeria Beauty Pageant, held in Lagos. During an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the beauty queen opened up on her N2.5 million cash price, brand new car, secret of her success and pet project…
How do you feel being crowned Miss Intercontinental Nigeria?
I feel so great and highly elated. I am very excited to be crowned the new Miss Intercontinental Nigeria. It’s beautiful.
Did you ever think you would emerge winner?
I entered the competition with great confidence and optimism to emerge victorious. It was not an easy victory because other contestants had all it takes to win the unique crown but I believed I had more poise, beauty and brain and I was the best at whatever I embarked on.
While in camp, which contestant posed a threat to you?
No, threat although I saw the contestants from Lagos and Kebbi states coming with enviable potentials.
What were the challenges while in camp?
First, it was the training, very rigorous. We had to learn the modeling and celebrity lifestyles; catwalks, dress code, etiquette on wining and dining in public, speaking in public, courtesy and maintaining positive attitude to issues and challenges as a queen. But I scaled through.
What kept you going?
Advice and prayers from my family, friends and manager as well as my belief that God has a great plan for me. My mother is a prayer warrior and my aunt, Mrs. Oby Williams(nee Onwudiegwu), kept urging me to do my best. Their support was immense. My brothers and dad also made me to be strong through their advice. I had my management team ,Onestreet Consulting Limited coaching me on all that I needed to know in this business even before I applied for the contest. It wasn’t easy, even knowing that I had to compete with 29 other delegates but I had faith in God. I was trained right from childhood to put my needs and demands before God in prayer. It works. Prayer is the key and “what is meant to be, will be.
I must not fail to add here that my close friends, former schoolmates, friends on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other social networking sites showed me great love. I was really motivated and encouraged me by this outpouring of love. Thanks to everyone.
How did you get to know about the contest?
From a modeling agency, Blaze Model and Talent Management.
What is your role as Miss Intercontinental Nigeria?
First, to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming world event – Miss Intercontinental pageant at Jordan. Second, to become the nation’s Beauty Ambassador responsible for promoting the nation positively, re-branding ourselves as good citizens across the world.
I see myself now as a public relations person for my country because I will be guest to different continents during my reign as a queen. I shall utilize every opportunity to promote the tourism resources of Nigeria, attract investors by exposing the business potentials and investment opportunities in Nigeria. This is a task every Nigerian celebrity must perform for her nation.
As Miss Intercontinental Nigeria, I am also ready to lead the war against HIV/AIDS and Ebola Virus Disease as this is very crucial to our country, Nigeria.
Were you ever into modeling before going for the pageant?
I started from my days as a student at Covenant University, though education was my first priority and my parents also insisted on that.
What would you say stands you out from other contestants?
My elegance, poise, beauty and brain.
Tell us about your background?
I am the only daughter of Mr. Tony and Pastor Victoria Okafor. My dad is a business executive while my mom is a pentecostal church pastor and I have two lovely brothers. I’ve always had Christian upbringing and it has been my saving grace since my childhood.
How are you spending your N2.5 million cash price?
Until I get the prize money. That notwithstanding, I plan to use the funds to support my pet project. It’s going to be used for charity, amongst others.
Which pet project would you embark on during your reign as Miss Intercontinental Nigeria?
I plan to set up the Save A Child From Human Trafficking Foundation. Through it; I shall conduct campaigns and establish an Entrepreneurship Centre for Victims of Child Trafficking to get vocational skill and entrepreneurial training. The Save a Child from Human Trafficking Campaign shall collaborate with agencies and organizations involved in the campaign against trafficking of any type. This in the long run would aim to reduce unemployment in the country.
-DOLAPO AMODENI
