I did not sell my body to become a beauty queen, I won’t start now —Queen Falana Ayanfe, MBGE 2016

Born in Ekiti State in May 1997, Miss Falana Belove Ayanfe is currently the Most Beautiful Girl in Eko  (MBGE) 2016 which will run through 2018 calendar. The 19-year-old also heads other queens in the MGBE pageant, namely the MBGE Tourism, MBGE Entertainment and MBGE Commerce. The 200 Level student of Political Scienceof the University of Lagos recently spoke to Newton-Ray Ukwuoma about the glitz and cost of being a beauty queen.

Going into beauty pageantry

I read about the beauty contest online and I decided to participate. I was particularly drawn to this pageantry because it promotes African culture and because of the organisation.

Participating in other beauty pageantry

I have tried other beauty contests before this. For some, even before you’re selected to participate or become a queen, contestants will be promised the crown if they sleep with the judges. I have had several cases. It is either you sleep with a judge or organisers or you’re not ready to be a winner. Two years ago, I actually almost gave up being a beauty queen because I was tired of Nigerian beauty pageantry. If you’re surprised that someone from nowhere won a beauty pageant it is because of what I am talking about. The authority should wade into this matter, really. It is either you pay your way to get the crown or allow someone to have a carnal knowledge of you. And I think most of the beauty pageants, who do this, are not registered with the state government. It shouldn’t be that way. I love this one because it is not a bikini pageant, and particularly because no one asked me to sleep with him. This pageant is different. It gives you the platform to bring out the best in you.

Parents’ view

Yes. These things make parents critical about beauty contests and that is why some of them prevent their daughters from participating. I had similar challenge with my parents, who are ministers of the gospel, and I had to convince them that this one was different. I told them that the first beauty pageant started from the Bible with Queen Esther. And that Esther turned out to save her people from grave danger. Though some organisations might have corrupted this practice, I believe there are some genuine ones.

Experience in MBGE camp

The experience in camp was fun. It was educating. You meet other contestants, a lot of enemies and friends. The grading begins during camp. Beside your physical beauty, the judges would want to know how you relate with others, your charisma and the quality of your guts. The camping activities were well organised.

Distinguishing factor

I represented my state, Ekiti State. Other contestants represented their states also. We were asked to dress in our state’s native attire. I think my attire singled me out. I love fashion. I made a modern version of native attire. It was different. That, I think, was one of the qualities. Aside that, I participated in the choreography, I danced well. I like to dance. I also answered my questions well. Everything put together, I guess, gave me the crown.

Being the crowned queen of Eko

Being a crowned queen of Eko is a lot of responsibility. I don’t even think some young people know the origin of the word, Eko. To be a crowned queen, you have to deepen your knowledge of the state, its people and and history. It has been a wonderful feeling since I won. I have been trying to get a few things done.

Advantage of the crown

The crown comes with an all-expense-paid trip to an ECOWAS country, an award, cash prices; plus you get to meet a lot of prominent people. Execute your pet project, impact positively on the society. There is also the not-so-good side of the crown: as a queen because you meet people, you also pass through a lot of temptations. Imagine going on courtesy visit to finance your pet project and the host is asking you to sleep with him before he sponsors your project. Imagine if it happens repeatedly. This is a pet project you have passion for, your opportunity to solve a problem in the society and you have to meet some of these challenges. I tell each of them that I didn’t sell my body to become a beauty queen and I wouldn’t start even after becoming a beauty queen. It can be discouraging, but I think all of that should make you strong. I come from a religious background. All of these make me pray more. A queen is a leader. I am a leader. I have other queens who look up to me. So I will not be discouraged.

Pet Project

I have passion for children. I have selected some orphanage homes in the state to renovate. Some of the homes I visited are in terrible shape and most of the kids seem to suffer from one disease or the other. I intend to provide some level of assistance with the sponsorship I am able to get.

Redeemed prizes

I wouldn’t say I have not received any prize since I won. For instance, I have not travelled because of school and I think other prizes will be given to me in due time. I still have two years to be the crowned queen. I am particular now about my pet project, raising money and helping those children. I believe there are good people in Nigeria. I told the audience during the competition that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of orphans and I want to be able to do that before the end of my tenure. I also want to visit some schools to talk to them about the importance of education.

After 2018

After my reign, I will participate in other beauty contests that time will permit me to. But I love to study. I intended to study Law but ended up studying Political Science. I think it was the next best course after Law. I want to acquire a second degree after school and then a Ph.D. I want to be a future governor. I want to make a change in the life of children.