Rivers State has not been in the world map or mentioned recently in terms of beauty pageant contest both national and Internationally.

That does not mean the State no longer have beautiful young ladies or teens but it was the fact that most of them are shying away occasioned by lack of sponsorship and self confidence to contest in beauty pageant contests.

It is worthy to note that Miss Sokari Ibunimi West, age 16, an indigene of Bille town in Degema Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria has continuously made the country proud by representing Nigeria in some beauty pageant contests recently, she represented the country in Egypt at the Eco Teen International Beauty Contest and won the Miss Eco Teen continental 2023.

This was after she contested for Miss Damsel Nigeria (LMDN) in 2020 but didn’t win.

The win no doubt was not only for Rivers State and her community but for the entire nation hence the flag of Nigeria was hoisted at far away Egypt. This success story was like a dream come through for Miss West.

According to her, she was excited when they announced her name as one of the winners. She dedicated her win to God, saying that without Him she cannot achieve this feat.

” Even though I know I have the potentials to make my country ( Nigeria) proud but first I have to give thanks to God Almighty for making it possible for me.

I also want to say that my success story would not be complete without mentioning my mother because she is my role model, she taught me to be positive at all times. She told me I should have determination and work hard, apart from that honestly my ‘Mum’ was really supportive, all these are things that inspired me a lot.

” I equally want to say that my success would not have been totally completed without Ayotamuno Peace Okorite, the CEO of Pelma Fashion House who designed all my outings in the contest. I must say that Pelma Fashion House is one the best in Nigeria because of their sense of creativity in terms of fashion and designing”, Miss West said.

The beauty queen, explained that her vision was to foster peace and unity in various communities in the State and assist the less privileged people, as she strive to continually make her country proud.

” My vision was to prevent Nigeria environmental hazards through enlightenment campaigns, workshops and seminars. Apart from that I will also foster peace and unity in various towns and communities.

“I will challenge myself and grow in confidence and to use every platform given to me to create awareness about the importance of preserving nature and make connections within and outside the industry. I will use the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and represent my culture as a proud daughter of Bille Kingdom”, she added.

She further revealed that her ambition was also to establish a Foundation which aim and objective will be prevention of environmental pollution and also establish Eco club for kids.

Miss West use the opportunity to correct the wrong perceptions conceived by some people that beauty pageants are sex mongers and promoters. She said beauty contest was to showcase the outer beauty, exhibition of talents, intelligence and qualities of a person.

“Beauty pageants are not sex promoters, that was a real misconception by some persons. It is like stating the obvious that beauty pageants promote peace and unity in their location , most times they establish Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to empower youths.

” I advice beauty queens to use the platform given to them to canvas for positive changes in their environment through rubost enlightenment campaigns and seminars to eradicate social vices. I further urge them to utilised the platform judiciously” she stated.

By: Tonye Orabere