Odum Nnena is a professional model and a pageant queen who emerged as the 1st runner up with the title Miss Eco Nigeria at The Nigerian Queen Pageant. She hails from Anambra state and is a graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe University with a BSC in Sociology/Anthropology. In this Interview with Fourwall Magazine, she talks about her journey as a model and her future ambition.
Congratulations on emerging emerging the 1st runner up of The Nigeria Queen, how does that make you feel?
It is fulfilling to know that you can truly use your time here on earth to not only change your life, but make a great impact in the lives of other people watching you. I am honored to be a role model.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Odum Nnena, I am the last child of 5 children, I am a graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe university with a BSC in sociology/Anthropology. I Hail from Anambra state which is in the south eastern part of Nigeria. I am currently an entrepreneur, who loves traveling, cooking and is very particular about preserving personal hygiene.
What were the challenges you faced during the contest and how you overcame them?
In life, for any new store we choose to take, there definitely will be challenge, what matters is our reaction towards these situations. Competing in The Nigerian Queen Pageant was not a struggle for me, but I had to remind myself mentally to maintain my standard, I knew what I was going in for and some challenges would occur but with God most importantly and my team with me I had a smooth sailing and emerged a winner.
What would you say stood you out from other contestants?
Competing at a pageant is one thing, but standing out is another. I know for a fact that i was consistent, I came In prepared, I was unique and above all I was authentic and true to myself at all times.
How was the bonding with other contestants?
It was amazing, I am someone who is team spirited and very passionate about friendships, so it was easy for me to be able to get to know my fellow contestants, at the end we all became like sisters and I would say it is the best bonding i have had so far in my pageant journey.
What was your best moments during the pageant?
Every single moment was a special moment for me, because it was new. However, my best of the best moment is and will forever be the moment I was announced and crowned 1st runner in the presence of my family, fans and friends. It is a moment I will cherish forever.
How long have you been in the modeling?
Fun fact is, I am not new to the pageant and modeling industry as I had won 3 amazing titles back in the university. It has been an 8 years long journey and I am grateful to be where I am now.
What motivated you to contest for The Nigerian Queen?
The Nigerian Queen over the years has given women an opportunity to be their best selves and explore the many wonders of the world, also empowering them with the opportunity to represent Nigeria internationally. For this reason, I was motivated to take on this journey to spread my advocacy on personal hygiene.
You were crowned Miss Eco Nigeria, what should we expect from your reign?
My reign as Miss Eco Nigeria 2022 would be a year of advocating for personal hygiene through my STOPH campaign, as I believe that cleanliness is truly next to godliness.
Have you done any pet project yet? if yes, tell us about it
I carried out a visit to a secondary school on behalf of STOPH ( sensitizing teens on personal hygiene) before winning my current title, and there will be many more projects to come.
Has been a beauty queen clashed with your personality?
Not at all; have been able to still be me regardless of the title now attached. I think it’s important that we understand the principles of multitasking and become everyday women whose work and life is balanced appropriately.
Any bad experience since you started modeling?
I have not had any bad experiences because I am not desperate for stardom. I believe self respect is needed to be able to survive the hassle that comes with the job.
How would you rate Nigeria modeling industry so far?
The Nigerian modeling industry has greatly improved than what I use to know it and I’m so happy to see the growth and how supportive people are right now.
Who is your role model?
My role models are each and every woman out there currently smashing goals, multitasking, nurturing children and building homes! I salute us for our strengths, resilience and determination to excel.
What does the sash and crown symbolize to you?
The sash and crown is a symbol of power, it automatically means that I am an agent for change and I can use that which I have do really make a difference in where there is lack.
If you were not a model, what other career would you have pursed?
Acting, i have always had passion for it; but who knows I might be entering the movie space soon.
Which brands are looking forward to work with?
I look forward to working with clothing; makeup; hair and also jewelry brands, I am a versatile Queen, I am absolutely open and ready for everything great that is coming my way.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
By Gods grace, I hope to have my international clothing brand, confine with my STOPH advocacy and beacons a mentor to younger girls in need of direction, and definitely to have started a family of my own.
Any advice to the aspiring female models that want to become beauty queens?
Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. Be you, but be the very best you at all times.
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