As beauty queen, I can’t date man scared of my status –Neema Godwin

The experience was breath taking. I did not actually expect to win the pag­eant, as there were so many gorgeous girls, who from my opinion, were more photogenic than I was. But here I am, the winner of Miss Fotogenix 2014. I couldn’t be more grateful to God for this. The photo shoots were amazing. The organisers tried their very best con­sidering the many circumstances; the training and development sessions have all added to my total outlook as a queen with an innovative social edge.

What do you think gave you the edge over other contestants?

I wouldn’t say it was anything in particular. I believe it was a collec­tion of forces that made that happen. Sometimes in beauty pageants, a situa­tion can allow a contestant pick up the crown. But in my case, I don’t think this was a stand-alone situation. It was everything.

What have you been doing since then?

I represent the Miss Fotogenix brand at various functions across Nigeria. I am also working on my pet project that goes beyond the crown. It was designed to support indigent and low income earning women trading in commodities to access funds to boost their busi­nesses, as most of these women are breadwinners for their families. This will go a long way in reducing poverty in Nigeria and en­abling women to better fend for their families on a long term. For instance, The Pink Woman project that kicks off activities with the Makoko community this November, is tailored towards meeting basic sustenance needs of women in this riverine community located in the heart of Lagos.

What are the challenges you are facing as a beauty queen?

Before the contest, one of the challenges I faced was my anticipation in getting the crown, which involved less sleep, keeping fit for the competition like exercising and beauty therapy. During the contest, which was very competitive, I mo­tivated myself to bring out the best of Neema. Also, adapting to the new role of a beauty queen has been a major challenge because people expect a lot from you.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to participate in the pageant?

My parents have always been supportive of my dreams. I also work as a model and have represented big brands in advert cam­paigns, so they knew I was gunning for something of that nature. They were pres­ent at the event to give me all the support I needed.

How did you feel the mo­ment you were announced as the winner?

It was heaven. It was fulfillment of prophecy. It was dream come true. I had always fantasised about this and it was finally a reality. I couldn’t have been happier.

What were you given as reward?

Cash. It wasn’t that much but it’s something reasonable to help me build my brand and do many things.

Did you know you were going to win?

No! I am not a magician, so I couldn’t have. As I said earlier, there were many gorgeous girls at the pag­eant, so I was actually shocked when I was announced the winner.

You are now a celebrity, do you find it difficult relating with your old friends?

Maybe people consider me as a celebrity but I am not really aware of that. I won a pageant but there are quite a number of pageants. Yes, my winning the crown has made me more popular. I walk by and get a lot of stares and obvious whispers from people, telling their friends ‘look, that’s Miss Foto­genix’. Of course, my old friends still relate with me normally.

What are your likes and dislikes?

I like honesty. I also love determined, hardworking and motivated people who really want to make something out of nothing. When you talk about going on shopping spree, I am in. I hate pretense; and fake people turn me off.

How do you see life?

Life is a journey – not a destination – where you aspire to be the best and work hard towards your set goals. Ir­respective of the challenges that might creep in along the line, step up your game and don’t succumb to failure. Life is what you make of it.

Tell us about the man in your life

There is no man in the picture. Right now, I’m really occupied with my proj­ect, working hard to make my brand relevant, so there is no man in my life.

Is it that they don’t toast you?

I get advances from men because I’m beautiful. Any guy scared of my status is not fit to date me; he’s not man enough. Real men are not intimidated by a woman’s achievements.

When are you looking to go to the altar?

If the right man comes, I will defi­nitely be ready.

What are the qualities you want in your man?

I love straightforward men, men who are not deceitful. I want a man that has an aura and that can help me grow, a man that will support me to be the best I can.

You are single, how do you handle your sexual urge?

Abstinence. When you are busy, sex can be one of your fewer worries.