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By Christy Anyanwu
Oluchi Chioma Madubuike, 2021 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant winner, shared the same dream with her late dad. In fact, she wouldn’t have been a beauty queen today if not for her father’s influence.
“My father definitely influenced me the most growing up. He taught me a lot of life lessons at a young age… MBGN was a life long dream for me. I am fulfilling a dream that my father and I shared,” she said.
In this rare interview, Madubuike shed more lights on her life changing experience as a beauty queen. Please enjoy it.
How was the experience being the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2021?
It’s extremely life changing. That is the word that comes to mind. Imagine a little girl like me and I got all these attention, it was a very different experience. I got a lot of opportunities I wouldn’t have had. It’s definitely been a life-changing journey.
What major project did you embark on during your tenure?
I worked with children living with cancer here in Lagos. They are located at LUTH. We were able to raise funds for children that have cancers. This is still an ongoing process.
What prompted you to do such project?
I lost my dad 11 years ago to cancer, so this cause is dear to my heart. It’s a very personal thing to me. I wanted to make sure I could do my part to help bring awareness and support to the cause.
Who influenced you the most while growing up?
My father definitely influenced me the most growing up. He taught me a lot of life lessons at a young age.
What is your kind of fashion?
I won’t really say I have a fashion sense. I love to look good. I love to dress up. I love to look good all together. I wear anything that fits my figure. People are going to remember you the way you look, the things they see before they even know your personality or what you have to say.
Before the Most Beautiful Girl pageant, what were you doing?
I’m a nurse. I work in ER and ICU. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from University of Texas and Arlington, USA.
Lots of Nigerians are going outside the country for greener pastures; do you have plans to go back to the US?
I shuttle between Nigeria and USA. But then, my mum lives here in Lagos.
You left USA as a nurse? What are you doing here?
MBGN was a life long dream for me. I am back home fulfilling a dream that my father and I shared.
Have you ever modeled?
I modeled when I was younger. I’m into pageantry; Miss World was the 5th pageant I contested since I began in 2012.
How do you handle male admirers as a beauty queen?
A lot of time I don’t see it. I try to focus on what I’m doing. I don’t pay a lot of attention to that because I’m currently focused on reaching my goals
What is your kind of man?
Obviously, I want someone that is like my father, someone that has a heart for God.
Now that your level has changed, do you still keep tab with your friends?
A lot of my friends can attest to the fact that I’m very down to earth, and I don’t think this achievement has changed that side of me.
You have a beautiful skin. What’s your beauty routine?
I’m a minimalist as far as it comes to routines and skin care. I actually use a brand called Mira skin care.
How did your mum feel after you emerged as queen?
Immediately I was crowned, she ran on the stage.
Did you envisage you would become the queen while you were in camp?
There were times I doubted myself. But ultimately, I began to be hopeful that I would emerge the queen.
You were at Miss World competition, how did that experience mould you?
Miss World has really shaped me. I met 100 different girls and personalities from different countries. I went there very confident hoping I would go in and wow the world. It’s a very humbling experience that taught me I was greater than just the experience, and that I still have more to offer.
Who has inspired you as a queen before now?
It’s Agbani Darego. People used to call me Agbani as a child. I have grown up loving her.
Tell us a bit about your growing up that informed the personality you are today?
Pageantry is a thing I shared with my dad. My dad died 11 years ago. When he was alive, pageantry was something he had wanted me to do. I grew up in Nigeria, and Oman for four to five years. I then came back to Nigeria to complete my secondary school education. After dad passed on, I did my first ever pageant and won, and since then I’ve been contesting in pageants. Miss World is my 5th pageant. I owe all of it to my dad. I enjoy the fact that I can be beautiful and confident and still pursue other passions dear to my heart. I’m also a registered nurse. I was one of the major frontline fighters during COVID-19 pandemic. I have a roller coaster life. But it’s very challenging.
Beauty queens are faced with all sorts of harassments. Did that occur to you?
I haven’t had any harassment so far in MBGN. I think a lot has to do with how you carry yourself. And a lot of times it has to do with you setting your boundaries. If you are uncomfortable, make sure you talk to somebody. I go around with my chaperon, just to avoid this.
