I want to help Boko Haram victims – Queen Nigeria

Queen Diamond Okoh Obiahu

Winner of the 2014 Queen Nigeria Beauty Pageant held last December in Lagos, Diamond Obiahu Okoh, a 300-level student of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka speaks on her set goals during her reign. [Tribune]

How does it feel to be the queen of a pageant that celebrates genuine African women?

I feel really grateful to God and to everyone who supported me.   I also feel very responsible and cannot wait to use this title to serve my community.

Does it make you feel like a real African and Nigerian in particular? 

Yes, it does. A real African woman is not a half-naked lady or a woman without character or one sold out to western influences. Rather, she is a lady who is confident in her own right. This makes her feel like an African and a Nigerian queen.

What do you believe is unique about you?

I believe it’s my sense of identity, I know who I am and I know and understand what I stand for. I am not led or pushed around by other people’s impression of what or who I should be. I understand what is right, moral and Godly. That does not however mean that every other girl that came for the pageant did not stand out, they all did.

What do you aim to achieve with this title?

I expect to make a difference and add value to my society using my title. The main focus is helping children who have been displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency or disabled by it to find a way to survive and live an almost whole life.

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was exciting, not really because of money but because I had a home where I was myself. I felt loved. My parents were not dictators but my dad was my best friend. I looked forward to going home every day when my mates wanted to run away.

Could your winning this contest be in any way linked to your childhood?

Absolutely, it could be. My father always spoke to us about being more than a pretty or handsome face. He spoke about having an informed opinion on everything. He spoke about the value of womanhood, about the authority of excellent expression, developing strength of character, never forgetting where we come from, having values and principles and having that relationship with God every human needs to survive.

Who are your role models?

My role models include Genevieve Nnanji, Betty Irabor, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles and Joyce Meyer amongst many others.