“I am looking forward to embarking on my campaign in Nigeria to help educate nurses. As a qualified nurse myself, I would like to help teach people In villages about first aids because giving first aid could help save a life in Nigeria especially rural areas where we don’t have the privilege of ambulances”. Said Miss Pride of Africa UK 2016/17 winner; Christiana Mellah Onwuzuruoa during an exclusive interview with us. Read the full interview below.
Congratulations once again Christiana on becoming the winner of Miss Pride of Africa UK 2016. What does winning means to you?
Thank you, first of all getting through the audition process means that I have won already because there are certain criteria you have to meet to be eligible for the pageant, winning the crown and becoming a queen shows my commitment, dedication and understanding of every single element of the competition.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Christiana Onwuzuruoha, a nurse by profession and a beauty queen.
Why Miss Pride of Africa UK, amongst other beauty pageants here in the UK?
Well, I have done other beauty pageant in the past but MPOAUK is the only African UK pageant that showcase heritage and that is one of the things most Africans here in the UK are ashamed to show. I am African and proud.
How do you plan to manage your time as Miss Pride of Africa UK?
Time management is a skill one need to have and as a nurse it’s an advantage to me and I will consider that to be one of my strengths too. I think being able to prioritise properly but I have to be honest it’s never easy.
During your preparation for the event, did it ever occurred to you that you will emerge the winner?
To be honest, I think I can speak for any girl in the pageant industry, winning will always be the main agenda for entering any competition. When I believe strongly about anything it comes to me and I always pray to God, I was confident I might be the winner However at that moment in time of crowning am thinking oh God please let it be me so I didn’t think I will win but I believed in God.
Who is your biggest role model as of today and why?
I would like to acknowledge two greatest role models I have ever know and they are my parents ( may their soul RIP) I think it’s important for us to understand that the greatest attributes of a role model is the ability to inspire others, am sorry but no one can beat my parents they are most loving and caring and unique people in our lives, they have been there from day one and they also shape who we are today. They are my biggest role model and source of inspiration.
Tell us more about growing up, what your dreams were and what you’re hoping to achieve in years to come.
Growing up I have been exposed to the harsh reality of health care in my family, that was why I entered this pageant anyway, to give me that platform to address the issue of poor health care in disadvantaged societies. I have many dreams but one thing I hope to achieve is being able to create a charity or even getting involved in one to help tackle this issue of poor healthcare and also being able to give back, I believe there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you have made a positive impact in someones life.
Becoming the new Miss Pride of Africa UK will no doubt open doors and take you to places, can you tell us what you’ve been up to since you won?
Well am still in the process of planning and implementing things but MPOA have been nominated for many awards and we hope to achieve as much as we can. This year Miss pride has received 4 awards (best pageant and event at the International Achievers awards, best pageant at The Black African Women Rock Awards, Best Pageant at the C-hub magazine awards.
Personally, I am looking forward to embarking on my campaign in Nigeria to help educate nurses. As a qualified nurse myself, I would like to help teach people In villages about first aids because giving first aid could help save a life in Nigeria especially rural areas where we don’t have the privilege of ambulances
Have you ever dealt with negative stereotypes?
Of course especially in a pageant world, there’s a stereotype that focuses mainly on the physical beauty and high expectations from the public. Funny enough some stereotypes come from pageant girls themselves who are only in the competition to prove they are the prettiest. I think the only way I can deal with a negative stereotype is to show that I am hardworking, let my confidence ‘shine bright like diamond’ and most importantly show that I can handle criticism well.
What are they things that make you happy?
When I think of the Good things God has done for me, I am happy when I help people, I am happy I have a loving and supportive family, am happy to wake up everyday knowing that I have food to eat, roof over my head and in good health, I mean these are the basic provisions of life that most people struggle daily to get.
Do you have any advice for young Black women in the UK and around the world?
I do have young siblings back home who looks up to me because they believe that holding a title opens doors to many opportunities, so I will say to any young girl in the world to believe in themselves even for some girls who have low self-esteem who thinks that the society do not accept them for who they are and I want to change that by educating and encouraging to be successful and excel in their on right doing what they love and passionate about.
Where do you see Miss Pride of Africa UK in five years time?
I hope to see it go international one day, I hope to see it become one of the biggest African pageant. I know it might too much or too soon to ask but hey I believe in dreaming big.
How can one get involve or support your organisation both her in the UK and Africa?
One life one love foundation is still in the making but Anyone can get through to me via my FB page or IG any support is welcome. Thank you.
Interview by: Noellin Imoh-Griffiths
