Oghere Matthew is the winner of the prestigious annual Face of Topflyers 2020 pageant. The queen who had her National
Diploma in Public Administration, Yaba Technology (YabaTech), Lagos State hails
from Okpella in Edo State but resides in Lagos State, Nigeria. In this
exclusive interview with Topflyers Magazine International, she speaks on her
joys of being a Queen and the hurdles to attaining such height.
Excerpts:
You recently won Face
of Topflyers 2020 pageant. Is this your first time contesting in a pageant?
Yes it is.
How did you know about
the pageant?
I came across the flyer online.
How did you feel being
part of the winners of the pageant?
Wow. I was really
overwhelmed
Did you know you would
win from the onset of the pageant?
(Laughs) No, I had no clue.
Who were those that
supported you most during the contest?
My Friends and family members were my greatest fans and supporters. God
bless you guys (throws kisses)
Would you like to
contest again for the pageant next year if given the opportunity?
Yes! With all pleasure
You had a high number
of votes during the contest which made you emerge as a winner. How were you
able to convince people to vote for you?
I just kept pushing,
talking to friends via direct messages on social media, letting them know how
much this would mean to me if I won and of course they love me and wanted the
best for me. So they voted for me en masse.
Did you at any moment
of the pageant feel like giving up?
No, not at all! I never
felt like giving up because I hardly give up in any endeavor I embark on.
What did you enjoy most
about the pageant?
Well, I enjoyed everything
precisely. It was so competitive, breath-taking, majestic and daring. I enjoyed
the whole process.
What lessons did you
learn from the contest?
I learnt the art of
consistency.
What do you think makes
a good model?
The individual’s
personality generally as well as his or her willpower. No fake zone, just being
yourself—the real you.
If you were to
change something in the modeling industry in Nigeria, what would that be?
As
at now, I would like a platform which would bring all models around the world
together. We have so many models. Some are freelancers while some get paid.
However having a conducive environment for us all to get to know one another is
a positive change I look forward to. Also, changing the stereotype that models
can’t participate in other career fields is another.
What is your best meal
and colour?
Well, no specific favorite meal but my best
colour is black.
What is one thing you
can never do in life?
That would be being hypocritical to people. If I support
you, I support you for real (smiles).
If you were made the
Governor of your state for one year, what would you put in place first?
Thank you for that question. I would not hesitate to fix the security and safety of the people.
What projects would you
like to work on as a Queen?
It will be my desire to
empower young people on skill acquisition (bag/shoe making and more). I also
hope to venture into collaboration with national/international brands.
In
recent days, there have been unstable price conditions in so many products; one
of such is the increase in prices of sanitary for ladies/young girls. What is
your take on this?
Actually, sanitary pads
for ladies are very essential. Menstruation and menstrual practices still face
many social, cultural and religious restrictions which are big barriers in the
path of menstrual hygiene management. In many parts of the country, especially
in rural areas, girls are not exactly prepared/educated regarding it. So, there
should be a need to increase the availability of sanitary pads and not
necessarily its price tags so it can be easily accessible or purchased for the
least average girl. Somehow I feel it should be sold for free.
What
is your opinion on Reality Shows in Nigeria and your advice to those who may
have interest in it someday?
Personally, I believe reality
show in Nigeria is one of the many ways in which the talents of Nigerian youth
are showcased to both government and citizens. Reality shows just like
agriculture, works to diversify the economy and helps people around the world
learn other culture. It is also a bonding means because it gives opportunity to
spend quality time with family members or friends.
Interviewer
adds: Interesting
observation
Replies:
Thank you
What
other career path would you like to explore?
(Laughs) Air Hostess
duties.
How can people reach
you?
People can reach me
through my Social Media
Instagram:
ray_pearl_matt
Facebook:
Ray Pearl Matt
Is
there any business desire you are interested in?
Yes! Fashion related
businesses. I adore fashion and I am already in the path to actualizing that
but I am still growing and learning new trends in fashion.
What
achievement should your friends and supporters be expecting from you during the
course of your Queenly reign?
I would ensure I help
small online businesses grow by promoting their pages and making it known
across the globe.
(Interviewer adds in): More like a mini-brand influencing we
believe?
Replies:
Yes (smiles), this is because it is one of the things I do – digital marketing.
I am a fast-rising Digital Marketer.
What
is the Nigeria of your dream?
The Nigeria of my dream
is a country where people can walk around without fear of being kidnapped, a Nigeria
where we all work together as a Nation. I desire a Nigeria where I can go for a
morning jog and not worry about being hit by a careless driver or someone
driving on the side walk because He or She is avoiding the potholes on the
road. A Nigeria where I can drive to the airport without worrying about the
plane’s fuel because I know proper provisions have been made. I dream of a
Nigeria where I can use a speed train instead of a plane and get to my
destination in record time. In all honesty, this is the peace of mind I hope to
be a part of in my country, Nigeria.
Can
you name two places in the world you would like to visit?
Well that would be
Canada and Paris. I love these places and can’t wait to explore them.
What
do you have to say about the ‘#ENDSARS PROTEST, 2023 upcoming Presidential
Election and Asian killings?
The success of the
protest in forcing concessions from the government such as, promise to disband
Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) and police reformation has given Nigeria
Youth confidence and they believe that they can make a difference. Politics is
a game of numbers, influence, popularity and structure. In Nigeria, we need a
power shift in the upcoming presidential election and to achieve this, the
voices of the people must be heard.
Finally, because people
in power see us as either model minorities or the permanent foreign,
subservient class; they assume we won’t make noise and won’t fight back because
we have no allies to stand up for us, Let the youths prove them wrong.
Just
For Fun: Which would
you pick? A million dollars cash at hand OR a 5 minutes meeting with 5 TOP most
affluent people in the world?
That’s a tight one
right here. I would appreciate the latter option which is 5 minutes with TOP
affluent people in the world.
Who are the people you
would like to give a shout out to for supporting you during the pageant?
That would be all my friends and family members.
What do you think of
Pysmaco Production, Organizers of the Face of Topflyers Pageant?
Pysmaco Production is a
company which looks out for the best for their members and youths generally.
They put conscious effort into creating/recommending opportunities and put
their reputation in check.
Is there something we
have not asked that you would like to say?
(Smiles) I just want to
appreciate everyone and the management team for the platform. To the brand and
external brands I will be working with, please don’t stop supporting me. Don’t
stop referring me. I remain your favourite Pageant Queen and Business Oriented
lady, Queen Rachael Matthew.
I am signing out right
now. Thanks for having me in this exclusive feature and for taking your time to
go through this up-close session into my Life. I love you all our national and
international readers of Topflyers Magazine International. I hope to make you
all (Friends/family) feel proud of me. (Smiles and makes a ‘peace out’
gesture).
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