this exclusive interview with Topflyers Magazine, the 22 years old
undergraduate of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma speaks about the need to
change people’s biased mindsets of models as well as her rise to stardom in
Miss Peace Africa 2021 pageantry.
Can
you tell us about yourself?
My name is Elizabeth
Aminata Amadou. I am the winner of Miss Peace Africa 2021. I am a student of
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. I am 22 years old and I am proudly a
Christian.
You
recently won Face of Peace Africa 2021. Is this your first time contesting in
pageantry?
Yes, this is my first
time contesting in pageantry.
Did
you know you would win the pageantry from its onset?
Actually, I did not
really put it in mind that I was going to be the ultimate winner. All I had in
mind was to put in my best, showcase myself, do the best I could. However, I
wasn’t expecting to really be the winner.
What
did you enjoy most about the pageantry?
I enjoyed virtually
everything that was done. They were all fun and an experience I would like to
have again especially when we were told to showcase our best skill.
What
skill did you showcase?
I wowed people with my
singing skill.
Can
you sing very well?
Yes, I can definitely
sing very well.
Do
you intend being a music artiste in future?
Actually, I intend
delving into the movie industry because I have friends that are into acting. So
I intend hooking up with them but I could also go into the music industry if
fate leads me there. You know, sometimes, man proposes, God disposes so let the
will of the Lord be done.
What
lessons did you learn from the contest?
I learnt a lot of
things but the one that triggered me most was that people are observant of your
actions and inactions. I never really knew this because people were not
supporting me during the contest until two days to the final contest. So, I
learnt that people know when you are doing well and would support you if you
don’t give up although the support may come at the 11th hour.
Nevertheless, patience is key, it pays a lot.
What
do you think made people turn up for you two days to the final contest?
I don’t really know but
I think it is God because I went to them at the onset of the pageantry to ask
for their support but they were reluctant until two days to the grand finale.
However, when I kept pestering them, God intervened and they turned up. So it
was just God.
Some
people believe models are sexually loose and may need to be sexually intimate with
certain people to win pageantries. What is your reaction to that?
I won’t blame the
people with such beliefs. This is because such situations intermittently occur
in our society and I have experienced something like that in time past.
However, it is not totally true and does not happen in all pageantries. Asking
a lady for sexual gratification to win pageantry is inhumane, it is totally
wrong.
What
do you advice models who encounter such situations?
It is simple. Modeling
is not a do-or-die affair and the modeling industry is plural. If one agency is
asking you for sexual gratification which you shouldn’t do, stand your ground.
If because of that they evict you, try another modeling agency and one day you
will be the best you can without soiling your feminine integrity.
If
you were to change something in the modeling industry, what would that be?
I would strive to
change the negative mindsets of people towards models.
Interviewer:…and
how do you intend achieving that?
By creating awareness
on what modeling truly stands for through social media platforms.
What
do you think makes a good model?
Good character is the
main attribute of a good model.
What
are your best meal and colour?
My best meal is melon
soup with Pando and any kind of meat.
Interviewer
intercepts: Any kind of meat like frog meat right?
(Laughs) No, meat from
domestic animals and livestock such as goat, chicken, etc (smiles).
(Interviewer laughs). Ok. What is one thing you can never do in
life irrespective of the pressure on you?
I can never deny God,
kill someone or deny my family members.
In a game of truth and
a lie, tell us something true about you and something not true then allow the
audience to guess which is the truth and the lie.
I
am from Senegal and I was born in Nigeria.
Behind every successful
man there is a woman and vice-versa. Is there a man behind your success in Miss
Peace Africa Pageant?
Yes,
there is a man behind my success.
Do you care to tell us
more?
Yes.
I had the dream of becoming a model when I was younger and as I started growing
my family discouraged me but when I met this my friend, he motivated me to
achieve my modeling dream. So I really appreciate him for that.
Interviewer
cuts in:
Kudos to that man for motivating you again. How did he feel the day you won the
pageantry?
He
was so excited. He couldn’t believe it and he was very shocked. I was also very
happy that I made him proud.
How can people reach
you?
You
can reach me on Facebook through LizzyBokum, Lkqueen-amin.
Who are the people you
would like to give a shout out to?
I
will like out to give a shout out to King South. KKzy, King Brown, Ose Black,
my aunty, V, and my mum, Peace.
