I’ve always been ‘possessed’ by my passion for modelling —Esther Agine, winner of 2021 Miss Wazobia Nigeria

Esther Agine is a second-year law student, an entrepreneur, a model, and the winner of the 2021 Miss Wazobia Nigeria pageant. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her passion for modelling, the unique qualities that made her to win the pageant and how she is handling her new-found fame, among other things.

Tell us about your passion for modelling.

I would say I’ve always been possessed by my passion for modelling. I remember, growing up, I would often hear my family, friends and passers-by comment on how I should invest my God-given qualities—both physical, mental and intellectual qualities—into modelling. And, being someone who wants to impart value, I recognised the platform modelling offered. So, I decided to go for it. All that was required was for passion to meet with action and birth growth in my career. In 2020, during the lockdown, I contested in my first pageant—though an online pageant, it did a lot to train my mind for the tasks ahead. I came out as the 2nd runner up.

You recently won the 2021 edition of the Wazobia Nigeria Pageant. Why did you decide to contest in the pageant, and what was the selection process like?

I decided to contest in the pageant because it stood out from all the other pageant flyers Instagram was bringing my way. I saw an authenticity without prior knowledge of the brand, and I was convinced.

The selection process was stringent, initially submitting pictures of ourselves and basic information followed by the various weeding-out stages of the contest. Each and every queen of the 2021 Miss Wazobia Nigeria pageant merited the win, either by pure struggle or the favour of God or both, where the last scenery is my case. Ha, I can only be grateful.

What unique features or qualities would you say enabled you to win the pageant?

First and foremost, I would say extreme favour from God, then my communication or good command of the English language. Also, I think my height and facial expressions played a role in my victory… or so I heard from an observer.

What prizes and deals were associated with the winning? And, is there any endorsement or modelling contract as a result of you winning the contest?

There were cash prizes awarded to each queen, and I got an on-the-spot endorsement deal from a clothing brand Kkwears, and many others.

Yes we were presented with a contract from Miss Wazobia Nigeria team stating our duties and privileges. Finalisation on the terms and distribution of contract copies to the parties involved is still underway.

How are you handling the fame that comes with winning the pageant? And do you see yourself winning the Miss Nigeria or the Miss World pageant in the future?

Very well—it can get overwhelming—but so far, I’m enjoying it, harnessing its benefits for the best things. I remember walking into my faculty for the first time after the pageant and I was undeniably the centre of attraction. Friends and acquaintances alike flocked to congratulate and celebrate with me.

And, yes, I do see myself winning the Miss Nigeria or the Miss World pageant in the future. All my struggles and accomplishments are mounting up to a greater victory.

Female models, most times, have men crushing or hitting on them. How do you handle or intend to handle such men and their propositions?

Well, the way I’ve always handled them is by standing on the principles of godly living that has brought me this far. I’ve always and will always debunk and shut them down.

What three things should people know about you that they do not? And what three qualities do you desire in a man you are interested in?

Hmm. Three things people should know about me that they do not, would be: one, the tenderness of heart that makes me want to leave everyone better than I met them; two, I like to eat a lot of good food, my favourite being jollof rice; three; I’m a Tiv lady from Benue State, Nigeria.

If I see a man that I desire, he must: one, be a God-fearing man, walking in the knowledge of the spiritual; two, he should have an intellectual and mental capacity that supersedes or equals mine, because then, I’m sure he is vision-driven and that we can understand each other; three, he should be someone I’m physically attracted to. It’s really important to me. In fact, they all are because if a man fears God, he’ll show me God’s unconditional love and if his intellect is on point, our senses of humour will be leveraged. Then his physique—in all honesty, I like good-looking men; and this includes his natural looks and all else that enhances his looks, clothing inclusive.

One of the reasons the Miss Wazobia Nigeria pageant was founded is to curb sexual abuse and teen pregnancy. As a Miss Wazobia queen, how would you use your fame and mandate to curb these vices in your society?

Thank you for the question. The goal of the pageant is, perhaps, the reason why the brand finds such acceptance in my heart. As Miss Wazobia Nigeria, beginning this charity from Jos, where I school, it will spread throughout the country. With the help of a search team I would locate areas where any form of commercial sex is being practiced, and one after another, we would get to know these women assisting them spiritually, financially, etc.

A lot of ladies in this line of work are students with no means of providing for themselves, but with this platform, using the University of Jos Radio to reach people far and wide, we would bring the knowledge of the light closer to everyone in the dark. Recognition would be built in no time at all.

Do you have anything to say about the organisers of the pageant? What is it that they did not really get right in organising the pageant that you want them to improve on?

Yes. The organizers of the pageant are good, vision-driven individuals, and I don’t regret working with them. Miss Wazobia Nigeria deserves to be louder and, for that to happen, we’ve to be strategically positioned in the heart of Nigeria’s front scenes. This won’t be an issue. Big things are coming, and I want you all to sit tight, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

Do you see modelling more like a hubby or a career? Apart from the Miss Wazobia Nigeria Pageant, what other pageants have you participated in?

To me, modelling is more of a career. Whatever can interfere with my studies from time to time is more than a hobby. Asides the Miss Wazobia Nigeria pageant, I’ve contested in Face of Kharis 2020, and Face of Beauty Nigeria 5th Edition.

As a law student, how are you faring at the University of Jos? And, do you see yourself practicing law after law school?

It’s has been beautiful, because it’s giving me the chance to learn law and learn independence altogether—a huge leap from the euphoric life of a last-born child.

Yes, I see myself practicing law. I’m inspired by my dad who was a successful practicing lawyer and by SAN Femi Falana. I remember during the pageant, in a business session, we’re asked our different courses of study and if we had plans to use our degrees to full potential. I had moments to really think on it afterwards and I realised, law for me, goes beyond a career. It’s a way of life.

How do you manage your academic and modelling engagements? And, how do you relax when the stress from these engagements build up?

I would say I watch my schedules carefully to avoid a clash, and God being so faithful, I always find my way around a clash. For instance, I had a test scheduled for Thursday by 12 PM and the bus arrived Jos by 3 PM. I really thought I had missed it, but by divine intervention the test was rescheduled for the following Monday. Just like the woman of God Kathryn Kuhlman once said, (I’m paraphrasing): “You don’t need the help of God to do nothing, if you want God’s help, try doing the impossible and you’ll see his hand.” So, basically, I balance it by taking worthy risks in faith and leaving all else to God. The rest would be proper discipline and determination to do well in every area of my life.

When the stress builds up, I retreat for a quiet time where I meditate, pray and find myself again. Then I retire to a company of close friends and family to be connected to positive energy and love again. I regain energy to continue the race.

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