Ifeoma Umeokeke,21, unlike the two others did not represent her state. She hails from Nnewi South local government of Anambra state and represented Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. She is a student of University of Porthacourt. studying Industrial Chemistry.

She is 5.9ft and loves traveling, swimming and dancing. She came as the Second runner-up and will be MBGN Miss Tourism for the next one year. She also spoke with Showtime. Excerpts

Ifeoma Umeokeke

How did you hear about the pageant and what inspired you to take part?

MBGN is not a new thing, I have known about it long before now. I don’t know, there is something about this year. I just told myself to try and here I am.

Is this your first time in a pageant?

Not really. I was in the Miss Nigeria pageant. The one that held last year. I didn’t go far and I told myself to try my luck with MBGN

Did you ever nurse any feeling of losing?

No, I never did. When I got to camp and saw so many beautiful girls I told myself let me just have fun and whatever  happens I would take it in good faith. If you look at how beautiful all the girls are you would allow the competition to get into you. I just  didn’t let the competition get to me. I just had fun and thank God.

Before now what does tourism mean to you?

Sincerely I don’t know much about tourism except it promotes culture of a country and brings some measure of revenue to the country. We are still going to be  trained and I am ready to learn but right now my resolve is to help promote the touristic potentials of this country to the best of my ability and I believe in my ability to make a good job of it.

Being a queen now what is going to change about you

Going out would have to change because as a Queen now I have to be conscious of my looks; how I am seen, what I do because I have become a sort of role model to some people and I have to make sure whatever I do I do not bring disrepute or ridicule to my crown. By and large I am still going to be myself.

What is your advice to others aspiring to be like you

My advice to them is; don’t take it personal, be yourself, make friends. Let the judges see you for who you are. Don’t pretend, just be real I think you will find favour with them