Expdonaloaded News; My dad thought I’d be sexually harassed –Judith Okwunodu, Miss Ambassador for Peace

Judith Ngozi Okwunodu almost quit the pageant out of fear. But with sheer determination and perseverance, she weathered the storm and was finally crowned Miss Ambassador for Peace 2015, at the event held in Abuja recently.The 20-years-old final year accounting student of University of Abuja, who hails from Umunede, Delta State, in this interview recounts her journey to queendom. She also talks about her project and future prospects

. Excerpts:
How do you feel being crowned as Miss Ambassador for Peace?
I feel elated. I am highly favoured by God to be cel­ebrated as a beauty queen and an ambassador for peace.
During the competition, did you ever entertain any fear of not win­ning?
It was not easy at the beginning, because there were equally beautiful and intel­ligent contestants in camp. I almost walked out of the competition. After all, it was my first participa­tion in a national pageant. But one of my camp mates, Juliet, who was also crowned as Zonal Queen, South West, encouraged me and drove away fears from my mind. Though, it was a bit challenging staying in the competition, her posi­tive mind kept me going.
What stood you out among others at the competition?
Aside beauty, there are other vital criteria considered in winning, and these are your intellectual ability and presentations. And God has blessed me with these quali­ties.
What was going on in your mind when you were announced as the winner?
Wow! I didn’t believe it! It was destiny that found me. I was elated and I give all thanks to God. Thereafter, I was presented with a brand new Venza Toyota Jeep.
What legacy do you want to leave behind like your predecessors?
My duty as Miss Ambassador for Peace is to unite people and impact on their lives. However, the brand I represent is known for peace and educational campaigns, educating and giving out educational materials in every state in Nigeria. And we will be organising seminars in various schools in Nigeria, most importantly, touching the lives of pupils who can’t afford to pay for their education in rural areas. This we will do by giving them scholarships. In addition, we will be partnering with a Chinese company, state governors, federal ministry of agriculture and other in­ternational organisations on the training of some of our youth in agriculture, as an empowerment programme. Thereafter, we’ll send them to China for further training. And we are also working  on impacting on the lives of old people in every locality as well as the disable in the society. training. And we are also working
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
I am from a family of seven children, three boys and four girls. My lovely parents are Mr and Mrs Patrick Okwunodu. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate eve­ryone who stood by me, especially Kingsley Amafibe, Project Direc­tor, Peace Ambassador Agency and his amiable wife. Also, I want to thank Chief Andrew Emen and Rev. Okonkwo Godwin for their support.
While growing up did you ever envisage you would emerge a beauty queen someday?
Honestly, I never thought of becoming a beauty queen. But destiny discovered me. Though, I had an alluring growing up in my village, where I attended primary and secondary schools.
Were you born and bred in the village?
(Smiles) Yes! I was born and bred in my village in Umunede, Delta State.
What’s your growing up like in the village?
It was fun! However, the orientation or upbringing of a child depends on how your parents train you, irrespec­tive of the environment. I have very disciplined and hard working parents whose aim was to give an enviable and exemplary up­bringing to their children. So, it doesn’t mat­ter where you were born, but your vision; how you relate with people around you, and how you make them embrace peace. Honestly, those born in the city might not have the intellectual capability of a village girl. In addi­tion, village girls are good cook.
How did your parents react to your involvement in the pageant?
My mother gave me all her sup­port, but my dad initially was not comfortable with the pageant because of fear of sexual harassment. But he gave his support after reading their missions online, and he prayed for me. Sincerely, I am fortunate to be part of this agency, they don’t molest or indulge in any of the vices, rather they are driven by passion to discover young talents and build their dreams. I must commend Ambassador Kings­ley Amafibe for his humility, honesty, and disciplined lifestyle. It’s rare to see a man like him. In fact, he is a true Nigerian.
What has life taught you?
Life is not an easy journey, its full of experiences. Honestly, experi­ence is the best teacher! Life has taught me how to be positive minded, strong, focus, and above all, be a goal setter.
Who are your role models?
Governor Okowa of Delta State is my role model. He is an epitome of success, a man of character, who loves humanity. I wish to be greater than him in future.
Who is your ideal man?
I love Libra men, men who are born in the month of October, because they are reserved, loving and caring. And I adore a hard working and focused man.
What is your ad­vice to the youth?
They should be focused. They should also be a risk taker to attain success. Most importantly, they should stay away from crime and any corrupt practices that might destroy their future.