Ambassador Brendan Nsikak, the Chief Executive Officer of Brendance & Crusadel limited, Mr & Miss Nigeria international has said that beauty pageants are not meant for drop outs or prostitutes as people do say.
He stated this at the 3rd edition of Miss Ondo international which took place on Sunday, 12th of March at Golden Tosrich in Akure, the state capital.
According to Nsikak, pageants are meant for women of substance, stressing Ondo State would be the 1st international qualifier this year.
“Pageantry is not a charity, peagent is not a career, if you’re going into a career, a lot is expected of you, both being enterprising, being intelligent, being that woman who will be able to advocate the essence of being a woman”.
He appreciated Ondo State government for allowing beauty pageant to exist which mean they believe in women empowerment.
Mrs Tola Gbadamosi, the Vice Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists( NAWOJ), Ondo State council, stated that for anyone to promote his/ herself, culture and what they actually have, media is a powerful tool anyone can use to be what he/she wants to be.
She encouraged the girls to bring the best out of them, have courage, always put on a smile, put away shyness. “It is better you promote yourself, have a social media brand apart from pageant, where you can project yourself and sell themselves differently”.
“You should also endeavor to expand whatever plan you have, explore whatever activities you have, ensure you use your social media very well, do it yourself, you don’t need anyone to do it for you”.
“As a model, you should see yourselves as the best, when you are down, ensure you get yourself up immediately, no matter what happens. Whenever you are being asked a question and your idea doesn’t tally with what the person is saying, just say something nice you know, say something positive, if you don’t know it, just say something you know and smile, don’t stutter at the camera, because the interviewer won’t ask you to come back to that question”
“Ignore whoever is trying to put you down, continue to post your positive vibes, by the time you answer them, you are belittling yourself”.
“Certainly, fame will come, don’t let it enter your head, ensure that you are humble and meek, be gentle in spirit, you need to be humble to sustain your fame, pride brings sarcastic behaviors, avoid being over confident, it kills”
“Check your followers, know where that are from, be security conscious, know who is who. Ensure you have a positive mental attitude, be yourself, be original, believe in yourself, develop yourself on daily basis, distinguish yourself, be creative and build a circle of influence”.
Oluyemi Fasipe, a social media influencer, who also addressed the Queens stated that having a beauty pageant to Ondo State is a welcome development.
He urged the Queens not to leverage on their learnings, they should develop themselves, make much from social media, see themselves better than they started, have it in mind that the platform they have should be one that people will benefit from.
Make your platform one that will be a voice to those who don’t have, don’t make it a profit Making platform alone, be consistent, people have to know you for what you do every time. Don’t just talk about random things, be focused, know what you are talking about. Know how and when to use social media, you can market your brand on social media, nobody can market you more than yourself”.
“Try as much as possible to avoid scandal, avoid things that can tarnish your image, be careful. In case of scandal, calm down, don’t rush to respond. Think of how you can help someone you’re asking a favor from. Look out for people who does similar things with you and connect with them, let people see you as someone who is productive”.
“Know your worth and rate yourself, don’t jump on every work that comes, you must have your own standard as a brand, don’t lower your standard for peanuts, also, be considerate, set a value from yourself, you are who you are, regardless, see yourself beyond your starting point”.
The winner of the 3rd edition of Miss Ondo International, Miss Oluwatobi Fadayomi from Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State expressed her gratitude to God for seeing her through the beauty pageant.
She said ” I’m very happy today and I want to appreciate all my supporters, you all are indeed wonderful”.
Fadayomi promised to make judicious use of her position to help humanity and would never disappoint her supporters.
