Everyone is beautiful in their own way - Praise Aboaba, Most Beautiful Melanin Girl In Nigeria Universe

In this interview with SAMUEL ABULUDE, Praise Aboaba who recently won the Most Beautiful Melanin Girl In Nigeria Universe contest speaks on her personality and how the pageant has improved her.

How did you get into the pageant?

Pageantry has always been an interest of mine. I was fortunate to come across Most Beautiful Melanin Girl In Nigeria #MBMGN on a social media platform and I signed up for it.

What was the experience like preparing for the pageant?

It was definitely tasking. The people are the most important element in any pageant, so I had to get people to believe in me and my dreams. The Most Beautiful Melanin Girl In Nigeria is my first pageant I have participated in and it is an experience I’ll always remember. Everyone was so supportive, both people I knew and people I didn’t. The whole experience gave me a whole new level of confidence.

Who do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?

In my personal life, my family holds the greatest impact and career wise, I’ve always looked up to Zendaya, she has been a model to me right from day one.

What are the things that you would never do in the name of fashion?

This is a tough one, fashion involves a lot of risks, I’m definitely a risk taker, but I can surely say modesty is always my goal.

In what ways has modelling changed your lifestyle?

Modelling has given me the opportunity to express myself more. I get the opportunity to challenge myself and watch myself grow.

What are some of the changes you would like to see in the sector?

In the modelling industry, I definitely want to see plus size women find their voices. I’ve met people say ‘I can’t model because I’m too chubby’. That shouldn’t be a standard to beauty. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. I would love women and men of different sizes and heights to be able to model without any form of discrimination.

What are some of the lessons that you have learnt?

In modelling and in life in general, there is one thing I learn everyday: nobody is your competition. The only competition you have is yourself. You can’t keep comparing yourself to people around you or people on social media, we are all on a different journeys.

What is the secret of looking good? Do you have a beauty regimen that you adhere to?

I drink a lot of water. It keeps your skin hydrated. Get sufficient sleep. Always clean your make up before going to bed, no matter how tired you are.

Can you tell us more about the beauty pageant?

Most Beautiful Melanin Girl In Nigeria #MBMGN is a pageant that gives all black women the opportunity to express themselves. No one is denied the opportunity to participate and that’s one of the many reasons I love the pageant.

What are the projects you want to embark on?

I’m currently working on a project ‘Helping Hands’. It’s a platform to help children who are on the street and children in schools discover their potentials.

What are your aspirations as a beauty queen?

I would like to establish the ‘Helping Hands’ platform and engage in more outreaches. I also aspire to be a role model to little children and other ladies who are trying to discover themselves, and be able to inspire them to take the steps they need to.

Are there plans to give back to school that groomed you?

Most definitely. My alma mater is a major part of the person I am today. I will love to give back to them and surely planning to.

Tell us about your plans for the school?

I plan on going to FGGC Sagamu (my secondary school), to talk to the students there, give them more clarity in aspects they can’t comprehend right now and give some facilities that can further enhance the education of the students.