…Says “This lifestyle is very new to me”
By Christy Anyanwu
Current Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), Ada Eme knew she would one day become a beauty queen.
As a growing up girl, Agbani Darego has been her role model, she said. Last year, her childhood dream came to fruition when she emerged a queen after a tough contest with 36 beautiful Nigerian ladies.
Ada, who also is the current Miss World Nigeria, is 24 years old. She’s an event planner studying Peace and Conflict Resolution at National Open University.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, you’ll get to know more about her personality.
Who talked you into beauty pageant?
Before wanting to be an entrepreneur, in primary school I watched the repeat broadcast of Agbani Darego as Miss World. It’s something that has always been in my sight and in my mind. Now, after becoming a young adult I decided to pursue this thing that has always been a passion to me.
What stood you out among the contestants?
Every single contestant was simply amazing. They all had incredible taste fashion-wise and brains. I think that year, the organizers are looking for something unique, something different and I guess I just fit into what they were looking for. They were looking for a powerful strong woman who can balance between being emphatic and kind and still be confident.
What are the challenges, the journey so far as a beauty queen?
Now, I’m out to fame. I’m someone who grew up in a small city in Aba. This lifestyle is very new to me. It’s taking me a long of time to get used to the whole glory and euphoria of being MBGN that is the only challenge, learning this nature of going into becoming MBGN while remaining true to myself. This December. I’m really excited to be going to Abu Dhabi for Miss World in December because, they have never done a pageant in the Middle East. I’m excited to ask about their culture, especially now that I have a lot of time to prepare, other times I don’t have enough time to prepare, but now I have enough time. I’m being excited for it.
As a celebrity, do you still keep in touch with friends in Aba?
Yes, I do and thankfully every single one of us we are hustlers. We want to become something. A lot of us have moved out of Aba and have all pursued our different dreams.
After your reign what next?
I would pursue a master’s degree in conflict resolution, any course associated with diplomacy I want to become a diplomat someday. That’s my ultimate dream.
What lessons have you learnt about life?
I have learnt to be resilient and to keep trying no matter how many miles you get. Sometimes, miles can be a sign that it’s not yet time and your time will come.
Can you still buy boli and groundnut on roadside as a queen?
I grew up in the East. I don’t really understand the concept of boli and groundnut. We eat boli with palm oil and fish. (Port Harcourt way) I don’t understand the style of boli and groundnut. Having said that, I buy boli in traffic, roadside, wherever I find boli.
What advice do you have for younger girls who would want to become future MBGN?
They should be courageous. It’s already stated, it takes a lot of courage for one to become Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. However, they would need that courage to the finish line because there’s a lot of hurdles, there are a lot of temptation, there are lots of difficulties and challenges in order to achieve the goal, but with full courage they would surmount.
Tell us about growing up in Aba, any special memories?
My childhood was really memorable. Every single part of my childhood was remarkable. I would say that growing up in Aba helps you explore being a child. I grew up in a neighbourhood and with parents that allowed us to be the best version of ourselves. to explore our creativity and also allowed children to be children.
Any challenge or challenges as MBGN?
Heavy is the head that wears the crown. The crown is as much a joy and sometimes a burden of love , a labour of love because you are 100 per cent, 24/7 and suppose to be the best version of yourself, you are supposed to be a role model to young people while also serving your community. So, the most challenging thing has to be, being on your toes. The constant need to give back to society and to be the best version of yourself.
What things have fame robbed you of?
I wouldn’t say fame has robbed me of anything. In fact, fame has blessed me, especially this type of fame. MBGN gives you the type of fame that you can still be yourself. It gives you the recognition and honour, but it still allows you to be yourself and be who you are. So, fame has not robbed me of anything. It has only blessed me to be more.