Harriet Edide is the reigning Miss Niger Delta. The 21-year-old queen speaks about her fascination with beauty pageants
Q: Is this your first time of participating in a beauty pageant?
A: No, it’s not my first time. In the past, I had contested in other beauty pageants. I vied for Miss Bayelsa in 2010 and Miss Peace Niger Delta in 2011. I made it to the top 10 in Face of Ijaw pageant in 2012. I used to be Miss Bayelsa and only handed over to my successor last month.
Q: Why did you decide to participate in Miss Niger Delta?
A: I have always loved taking part in pageants. It has always been a thing of interest and since I started, I have not had any reason to harbour regrets. I decided to participate in Miss Niger Delta because I have always wanted to be an ambassador for peace and development which is one of the ideals of the pageant.
Q: How did you get to hear about the competition?
A: I really can’t tell how I learnt about Miss Niger Delta but I had knowledge of it long before I decided to become a contestant. The competition has been in existence since 1999. I used to be Miss Bayelsa and when my tenure was almost drawing to a close, my manager advised that I should pick up the form for Miss Niger Delta. I got the form and began preparations towards the pageant.
Q: What were the odds against you in spite of the fact that you had won other pageants?
A: I think one of the things I did not have going in my favour was my height. I am not very tall. I can’t handle pressure and stress as well as I would have loved to and that did not seem to favour me. As you know, there is always a rush backstage, people are always in a hurry to change from one costume to the next. All that activity left me feeling tired.
Q: Did you consider any of the contestants stiff competition?
A: All the contestants were good competition for me. Every one of them is beautiful and possessed sterling qualities that could have won them the crown. I am favoured to have been declared winner.
Q: What qualities of yours do you think won you the crown?
A: I was true to myself and I kept everything real. There was no need to have any airs or pretend to be who I am not. Like with every other thing in life, originality is key.
Q: How have you handled the transition from an ordinary girl to a beauty queen?
A: That was a rather huge challenge for me because before now I was not accustomed to getting attention.I am still in the process of adjusting and so far, I don’t think I have done badly. I now understand the dictates of my office and I have settled into my role as a beauty queen.
Q: What are those things that being a beauty queen have changed about you?
A: So much has changed about me. From the way I carry myself to how I speak, the places I go to, how I dress and so much more. I see quite a lot of things in a different light now being that I am more enlightened.
Q: In what ways has it affected your wardrobe?
A: I had always loved fashion long before I became a beauty queen so dressing well before now has never been a big deal. I won’t deny the fact that being a beauty queen ensured that I upped my game. My budget for clothes and accessories has received a boost.
Q: How supportive were your family before the pageant?
A: They were very supportive all the way. They did more to encourage me than to discourage me and that is one of the things that helped me clinch the coveted prize.
Q: What kind of upbringing did you have?
A: I am 21- years- old. I am currently studying Philosophy at the prestigious Niger Delta University, in my 100 level. I am from a family of eight children and I have five sisters and two brothers. I am the fifth child of Mr and Mrs Philip Edide. Growing up with my parents and siblings was fun. My parents also took care to discipline us.
Q: How do you plan to affect society positively with your office?
A: I have a lot of projects that I am working on and all are aimed at making a better society out of Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. Some of my projects have been unveiled while some are yet to be unveiled but presently, I am working with the Miss Niger Delta foundation to assist the needy.
Q: Do you have a pet project?
A: Yes, I am working on a pet project tagged “Educating the female child in Niger Delta”. Like the name rightly suggests, we want to ensure that the average girl-child in Niger Delta is educated.
Q: What’s your definition of style and how do you like to dress?
A: Style is distinctive and that is why I don’t like to go with the crowd. My style means being comfortable and simple. I don’t have to struggle to look good, it should come to easily. Also, I like to dress classy.
Q: What beauty items can’t you do without?
A: My foundation and lip gloss.
Q: How do you relax?
A: I am not very outgoing. I relax in my home because it is very comfortable. I like to spend time in my room.
Q: How do you handle male attention?
A: I try as much as I can to reciprocate the love from a pure heart. I don’t have to date everybody that comes my way. As far as I am concerned, they are just fans who appreciate my beauty and attempt to impact the society.
From:- Sunday Punch
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