By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

Lizzy Gold Onuwaje emerged second runner- up in Miss Delsu Beauty Pageant in 2004. She went for Miss Delta Beauty Pageant and became the queen in 2006. She represented Delta state in the most beautiful girl in Nigeria (MBGN) in 2007. She was among the last five standing.  In this interview, she talks about Miss Delta State Beauty Pageantry franchise, her NGO and her venture into Nollywood.

Enjoy!

The genesis

The journey started when I was in 100 level in 2004. I was advised by a friend to get the form for Miss Delsu and I went for the contest. I emerged second runner up according to the judges, but if the truth should be told, I was robbed of the crown that year.

That episode in my life opened other doors like going for Miss Delta state beauty pageant and as for Miss Delta, I thought l would take second position because all the ladies in the competition were very pretty, but I was surprised because l took the first.

Why Miss DELSU

Actually, I looked into the mirror and I saw that I had the vital statistics and requirements the pageant needed because it was categorically stated on the form.

Miss Delta Beauty Pageant is a beauty pageant that showcases the beauty and brains of young girls in Delta state. It has been on for years now and this edition is going to be the 14th edition. The pageant has an affiliation with The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant. It is planned in such a way that the most beautiful girl in Delta state after the competition goes to represent Delta state in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageantry.

My experience

The first time I contested for Miss Delta, I was a shy naïve girl! I never expected to win the crown; I was hoping to emerge a second position because the girls were so pretty. I had a beautiful experience at the camp. We were kept together in a camp, we had people who taught us how to cat walk, speak like ladies and every other thing l knew then as a lady and more. It was a fun experience.

Exposure after the contest

First as Miss Delta state, I paid curtsey visit to the governor of Delta state and other prominent individuals in the state. I had an NGO and the state government supported the NGO. I travelled to London and Dubai for seminars on my NGO and when I returned, I distributed free notebooks to lots of government secondary school students from different schools and campaigned against HIV/AIDS, I was always tutored by my chaperon. It was fun and also challenging. I thank the Gold Image production for this golden opportunity.

*Lizzy Gold

The challenges

There were so many negative stories around me without evidence. Then, it used to break my heart and break me down. Some men used to carry the rumour of being my boyfriends and all that. I was so naïve and unprepared for the fame then that l nearly couldn’t handle it. But l understand it better today and wish it is happening today because l can handle that and more.

The Most Beautiful Girl Pageant (MBGN), 2006

MBGN, 2006 was also an awesome experience for me. In fact, it was the highest I ever had. We were camped at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos state. We were woken up very early in the morning for exercise, we learnt choreography from professionals and toured important places in Lagos.

We went for photo shoots and runway modeling.  The knowledge that was impacted on us was extreme and the fun that we had was massive and unforgettable. I had a wonderful time at the camp and I do not regret any time spent there.  Although l didn’t emerge the winner of that year MBGN, l was amongst the last five standing.

My prayers as a child

I have always wanted to touch lives, but I didn’t know it would take this angle to get to my destination. But the bottom line is that l am doing what l have always wanted to do.

My childhood

My childhood was a little boring because we were left under the care of our house helps. My parents were always out to work and we were always indoors. I guess they were trying to protect us. I mean my siblings and I never really socialized with people. It was a triangle kind of life style: school, home and church.

I became reserved and secretive. My siblings were my only friends. I did not   enjoy my childhood because of these reasons.

An ugly episode

My mates and I went for a showtime event back in school and it was so late that there were no vehicles to take us back to the hostel. We were walking  back when we were attacked by some guys and God saved me that from being raped.

My parent’s reaction to beauty pageants

My mum never supported me because she believes modeling is not meant for Christian girls.

After I became Miss Delta state, I was always on TV.  Her friends used to call her about it from different places to tell her that they used to see her daughter  and that was when she became so proud of me.

Miss Delta state franchise

I don’t think I want to add anything because it is perfect the way it is.  I would rather improve on the activities showcased in the previous.

My other involvements

Like l said before now, I established an NGO when I became Miss Delta and it is centred on empowering government secondary school students. Every year, I organise debate competitions for the students and the winners go home with prices. The last competition was won by a student in Urhobo College.

Urhobo college is a government boys college in Warri, Delta state. The winner of the last year’s competition went home with a Dell laptop and God helping, we shall do another one before the year runs out.  Alongside the NGO, I took up my childhood hobby and recently joined Nollywood but before that, I did a short course in acting at Royal Art Academy by popular Emem Isong.

After graduation, I acted my first lead role. I have also featured in lots of movies like Drop of Blood; Shotgun; Double Barrel; Hotel Crises; Ladies on the Move. I also have movies that are not yet out: The hawkers; Crippled Kingdom; Best of Enemies; Waves of Glory and others too numerous to mention. I have been working with a female producer by n
ame, Uche Nancy. She has been so supportive and I must say I appreciate her. As I speak to you, I am presently on set for another movie.

Sponsorship

I would sure love to be sponsored by well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies. In fact, it would be a relief to get help.

Men and their advances

I was brought up in a responsible, Christian home and I apply God’s wisdom when dealing with men and their advances. Most times when I present my NGO proposals to them, I  make them see positive reasons why they should support NGOs and also  stay faithful to their  wives.

My relationship

Do you expect a pretty lady like me not to have a man! Of course I do and I am madly in love with him. He is my world; he has always supported my dreams and aspirations.

My dream in 10 years

By the grace of God, in the next ten years I see my NGO expanding and reaching out to all government secondary schools in Nigeria.