‘How I started my pageant journey’

By Benjamin Njoku

The beautiful city of Mumbai, in India will definitely be painted in gold tonight as the world gathers there for the grand finale of the 71st Miss World pageant.

The glamorous event slated to hold at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai will temporarily bring the South Asian country to a standstill, as the top 40 finalists out of 117 contestants battle for the Miss World title. One of the finalists who has caught the attention of the world is Nigeria’s Ada Eme.

The beauty queen, from Abia State is hoping to return home with the title. Eme has promised to put her best foot forward, while hoping for the best as they go into the ring to battle for the title. She once confessed that Agbani Darego who became the first black African woman to clinch the Miss World title in 2001 inspired her journey into pageantry.

She responded to us from Mumbai. Excerpts:

How hopeful are you to return home with the crown?

I am very hopeful . Every woman in this pageant shares the same goal as well as myself. It’s been such a beautiful challenge. However, I will continue to put my best foot forward and hope for the best.

Could you share your experience at the Miss World pageant with us?

Miss World is one pageant that focuses on the emotional, mental and physical well-being of the contestants. Therefore, we have so many fast track events including sports, head to head, beauty with a purpose among others. The experience of competing against 117 women of different backgrounds for all the different events has been thrilling and such a learning experience.

If you eventually clinch the crown, what’s the first thing you will do?

I’ll most likely sleep for 24 hours straight. It’s been an intense three weeks of training, events and rehearsals. I’d probably just sleep to catch up on my many weeks of work

What will be your takeaway from this year’s Miss World pageant?

One major takeaway from this year’s pageant is the power of ripple effect. The past weeks, I’ve seen, read and spoken to many contestants about their individual pet projects. And I’ve seen how something that started as a communal service event morphed into something incredible. The power of one single act of kindness fostering another; over and over again.

What fascinates you about the pageant?

Agbani Darego is a name that echoes in the minds of millions of black African women. She was the first black African to win Miss World pageant in 2001. This feat is the genesis of my pageant journey and the reason I started dreaming of capturing the crown. To achieve something more than one’s self.

At first, did you feel intimidated competing with 117 women from different parts of the world?

I didn’t feel intimidated competing with these women. Every single one of us is a national champion and we have formed a strong sisterhood over the course of three weeks, so there’s no pressure at all.

How’s the love shared among the contestants?

Being close to each other every day ; for rehearsals, dining together, working together on tasks has helped many of us form genuine and possibly, life time bonds.