More Than Rhinestones
What is the first thing that comes to mind, if you were ever asked to define a beauty pageant? A competition that has traditionally focused on judging and ranking the physical attributes of the contestants? An organized display of young women like newly designed season apparels or maybe a sham were vulnerable, naive, passionate, young women seeking to express and showcase their talents get all dreams and aspirations shattered and realize you have nothing more than a sash title, a crown, if you’re lucky, regrets and lessons!
Most pageants have proved to everyone that they turn sweet, innocent young girls into crazy, competitive beings, getting dressed up and being judged on how pretty or ugly they are, young girls become insecure and it causes them to become obsessed with their appearance and later suffer from anxiety, eating disorders, depression, etc. Mental health experts emphasize the fact these platforms have the effect of sexualizing girls. In other words, the stereotyped thinking that females as sexual objects is detrimental to societal morals and values. Truly what are the values that are being communicated by these platforms?
Crowns aren't made from rhinestones. They are made of discipline, determination and a hard to find alloy called courage.
The first time I heard this statement I had just won another pageant crown, The Face Of Nigeria 2017, my fourth crown out of five competitions, yeah! I know what you’re thinking I had them coming in a roll, young and gettin it, must have been so easy, must have been in-born, luck or maybe just blessed? Honestly? Tessa Ridley couldn’t have described my wins anymore accurately.
I was that very young determined champ who had taken the decision to sharpen my eyes, my wit and of course my wardrobe, self motivated and courageous to say the least. Every win was a stepping stone to another, I wanted to be Miss World someday regardless of my 5’7 height.
Glitz and glamor, fame and attention, until I wanted more than pictures, media tours and make belief, I wanted impact, capacity, financial freedom, a commanding presence, an aura of confidence, one that didn’t need a physical crown and sash to feel comfortable in my own skin. To stop dwelling in a fool’s paradise.
Face of congeniality Nigeria was born in the year 2019 after many challenges, fears and discouragements, I began walking into every room knowing that the table is already prepared for me, Psalms 23!. Change is the language I wanted to speak through Face Of Congeniality Nigeria, genuine women empowerment, impacts in the society, to produce young women who will represent Nigeria as a civilized, socialized and unified nation. Aiming to empower our contestants to full capacity mentally, financially, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, encouraging positive yet fun filled experience and encouraging self confidence, awareness.
It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, grooming and producing each year women who have now become mainstays in the society, having all our pioneer queens go on to pursue their respective dreams.
It is my earnest desire to see our society embrace women more for their abilities, whether intellect or talents, but talent is never enough a wise man once said. We must continue to create and advocate for platforms, opportunities to cultivate ideologies and value systems that make our families, communities and societies a better place.
