Emmanuel Somto becomes first Nigerian to make top 17 since inception of Mister Global

At the 2021 Mister Global Pageant held in Thailand, Emmanuel Somto became the first Nigerian to make top 17 since the inception of the competition. He also won the Mr Popularity award and his costume was selected as one of the top five best national costumes in the world. The 25–year-old Imo State-born also clinched a top five position in the world in the Most Inspirational Videos category. He tells ENIOLA OYEMOLADE how the modelling journey has been so far.

How did your journey into pageantry start?

It started in 2012, I was 15. I attended a fashion show with a friend and instantly, I fell in love with what the models were doing on stage. From that moment, I started looking for how to start an odd-long career; I was even scammed many times. I continued chasing the dream but it didn’t really make sense until I won the Mr Teen Nigeria title in 2016 and everything changed. Eever since, it’s been a step higher year by year.

You are the first Nigerian to make Top 17 since the inception of the pageant, how does this make you feel?

It makes me happy for the next Nigerian representative at the pageant. I believe the door is open now and we can win the pageant. I believe that they’ve noticed Nigeria in a good way, so any other representative coming after me will only do better and I will be ready to groom and prepare them. I am grateful to God, my team and everyone that was part of my Mr Global journey. We outdid ourselves and it paid off.

You also set a national record by winning the Mr Popularity Award. What is this award about?

This one is still a shock to me, I mean we have pageant powerhouse like the Asian countries and the Latinos, these people go all out to support their country representatives but Nigerians came stronger for me this time. It means so much to me because I’ve never seen a Nigerian that won the popularity award at any pageant at all before. So to me, it’s yet another milestone. This award means so much because it shows and proves that I’m the public’s favourite in that competition.

What was the process of getting into Mr Global? Did you have to win other competitions before you could participate in Mr Global?

Yes, everyone must have won in their different countries before they can compete internationally.

Your costume called Ike Nke Obodo was selected as one of the Top Five Best National Costumes in the world. What was the inspiration behind the costume and who was the designer?

The costume is named “Ike Nke Obodo” (Igbo Language of the South Eastern part of Nigeria) translates to “Strength of a nation” as this costume is a shining display of strength and courage. It represents my country’s national bird, the eagle, which is considered to be one of the most powerful feathered creatures in the world. The eagle is a fearless, tenacious, powerful and high flying bird that is seen as a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honour, pride, determination, and grace. The bird sits atop Nigeria’s coat of arms and represents the strength and courage of the country’s citizens.

Just like in the coat of arms, the red colour of the national costume is associated with vibrancy, leadership, sensitivity, strength and vigour. This inspired costume was conceptualised in October 2021, and took months to complete. The costume is rooted in Nigerian culture as it was entirely hand-beaded using thousands of traditional Nigerian beads.

It was an immense pleasure working with Art Akarach, the designer whose designs have graced some of the most prestigious stages such as Miss Universe, Mister Global, Miss Earth and more.

I chose this costume because it represents my journey and I believe it speaks to every single Nigerian out there. We are strong, bold, tenacious and majestic, just like the eagle.

You also clinched a top five position in the world in the Most Inspirational Videos category. Tell us what your video was about.

Pageant introduction videos basically require you to talk about your country, yourself and your advocacy. Just sell yourself and your country to the world. In my video, I showed the beauty of Nigeria and Africa, and also showed the rich culture and the busy Lagos. Anyone who watched the video would instantly love Nigeria and love our culture too. I talked about my background, my journey and I showed some of my charity projects. I made it clear that pageantry isn’t about the glam and fame alone, but your heart and how you care about others. All thanks to the video director, Jide Pounds, who brought my ideas to life with very beautiful cinematography.

What were some of the extra preparations and steps you took that made you set some of these records at the competition?

I took my time to study the Mr Global Pageant and previous contestants. I didn’t settle for less when it came to my outfits and other things required for the competition, in fact I made national costumes twice until I got Ike Nke Obodo. I also made four tuxedos even though only one was required. I slept in the gym and I paid good money to be trained by one of the best catwalk trainers in the world. I invested hugely and that’s how it should be in my opinion.

What were your parents’ reactions when you started modelling and pageantries? Were they supportive?

From day one they’ve always supported me. My family is my number one fan.

Would you say modelling has opened you to a lot of opportunities?

So much more that I can’t mention. Modelling changed my whole life for good.

Who are some of the people you look up to?

Tony Elumelu, Genevieve Nnaji, Aliko Dangote, among others.

What are some of your unforgettable pageantry moments?

I was sent out of camp because I was going to be a threat to the guy who paid for the crown. That was in 2015 and that prepared me to work harder and I won Mr Teen Nigeria in 2016.

Do you think models get enough support from the government? If not, what needs to be changed and what type of support can they offer those that participate in pageantries to make the country proud?

Absolutely not; not a single support. It’s only Nigeria that does not know or understand the importance of pageantry and it’s saddening. Other countries’ contestants get maximum support from their government and the entire country. Pageantry is another way to display the beauty and pride of your country to the world. Through pageantry, countries unite and a lot of beautiful things happen. Just like football, pageantry promotes tourism, this is why other countries sponsor and host big pageants like Miss World and Miss universe every year. Nigeria could host any of the big pageants and you will see the effect. We need financial support for the representatives; give them the things they need, invite them and do a send off for them to show them that you’re with them. Also, recognise them after each competition. Just make us feel the need to work extremely hard to bring the title home.

Asides modelling, what do you do?

I’m a business man; I’m still a student in my second degree studying international business abroad. I do everything entertainment except comedy. I’m just an all rounder.

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Sirika who insisted that the coming national carrier will be private sector driven added; “Private. Yes. 5 per cent government and no government stepping right in that company, no government control, no membership of government on board. Totally private and committed.

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