Encomium
The maiden edition of Laxento Beauty pageant has come to an end with Cynthia Okoli, a student of University of Lagos, emerging the face of the brand. Cynthia defeated 27 other contestants to become the winner of the show. She carted away a salon car and cheque of N500, 000.
In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the Managing Director, Laxento Global Limited, Lovelin Edem expressed satisfaction on the success of the show, adding, “This is one of our ways of getting the youths busy.”
She spoke further, “Laxento is a new company, less than four months in Nigeria, that wants to activate the youths. That’s mainly what we do. We have various programmes for them, one of it is in the form of beauty pageant. We have done a similar thing in the UK, and today, we’re excited that a winner finally emerged. We have a face and ambassador for the brand. She’ll represent us home and abroad for a year, before the second edition.”
The winner also spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly…
How does it feel winning the maiden edition of Laxento Beauty pageant?
I feel really excited being the first winner of this beauty pageant. I feel so blessed and humbled that I made it.
It’s not something I took for granted having given my best for it.
Did you see yourself winning, considering the calibre of contestants?
It was a tough competition. There were beautiful and smart girls who really generated the heat. However, winning was my ultimate intention and I was pretty positive about it, believing in myself and God’s approval. So, I would say I envisioned myself winning the competition.
What do you think gave you an edge?
A strong belief in God, and then myself. I also tried to stand out at every outing, to be unique and to make good impression. In all, I came prepared and it paid off as God would have it.
Among all the contestants, who gave you the most difficult challenge?
The first runner up really did. However, I am glad she came second because she is one person I will feel comfortable taking up official duty in my place.
How would you describe your experience?
It was worthwhile though very challenging. Like they say, nothing good comes easy. From the rehearsals to the main event, there was this palpably fierce desire by all the girls to come out tops. In all, it was fun too because I got to meet different personalities.
What is your job (specific work) as the face of Laxento?
I am officially the brand ambassador for Laxento Globals. As you know Laxento Global as a company and brand is into entertainment (movie production, event planning etc) and business (import and export, general contracting, travels and tours). So, my job is to promote the interest and image of the company and also generate ideas for the growth of the company.
What did you win? What kind of car? And how do you intend spending your money?
I won a salon car. First, I would pay my dues to God, do some charity works and invest the rest.
What pet project do you intend to embark on?
My pet project is to give career talks to secondary school students to help them channel their interests to their careers of choice and guide them to make the right decision about it.
Tell us more about yourself, including your education background?
My name is Cynthia Chinaza Okoli. I come from Ugwu, Awgbu in Anambra state. I am currently a student of Philosophy at the University of Lagos. I am an easy person, with a positive outlook. I had a very happy childhood with my lovely siblings, lots of funny cousins and interesting friends and my parents provided for us very well.
I always looked forward to holidays, mainly Xmas and Easter, when we got to travel to my hometown and watch masquerades, laugh without care and entertain visitors. I also remember my siblings and I giving speeches or reciting topics which we crammed from our notebooks to our parents after dinner. And dad used to hold dictation for us.
– RASHEED ABUBAKAR
