Olayinka Ojo is a finalist in this year’s Miss Commonwealth Nigeria; her first shot at pageantry was a disappointing one. But her resolve to carry on has been rewarding, ORUKPE NELSON spoke with the former Miss FUNAAB (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) in this interview.

How long have you been modeling?

While I was a kid at primary and secondary schools, I was a queen. But officially, I started modeling two years ago when I got admission into the university.

How has it been so far?

It’s been hectic, challenging and demanding, but it’s been fun and a good experience too.

Could you recall some of the competitions you’ve taken part in?

I have been involved in many, but my first I would say was Miss Ogun in 2012. It was really challenging because it was my first big one. Idid not really do well; the stage appeared to be more than what I expected. I lacked the confidence and charisma. I felt bad and I was down for a while, but I stood up again. I contested for Miss FUNAAB, my school and I won in 2013. Though it was highly competitive too, I think the experience I had gathered, my look and courage stood me out. I later competed for Miss Campus Diva in 2014, a pageant among schools in Ogun State. Though I expected nothing, I came out as the first runner-up. Recently too I competed for Miss Commonwealth Nigeria 2014 and I was among the top five. It was held at the Jeviniks Place in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, sometime in October.

How did you get to know about Miss Commonwealth?

It was through my manager, Oluwaseun Olopade who is into entertainment. Attending Miss Commonwealth was like a huge opportunity. I contested with more people that I have ever had. I really challenged myself that I want to pursue something bigger. The winner is expected to represent Nigeria at the world stage. Right now, due to the experience, I know I am better than the way I used to be. I am not even worried that I didn’t win the crown because the experience I got was massive.

Was there a time you felt pageant was all waste of time?

To be honest, yes. It was recently during Miss Commonwealth. I found it hard to move along with people easily; I make sure I take my time before I get familiar. So in camp I saw people who I felt were more experienced than me because they displayed so much confidence. I just kept to myself in camp and felt down sometimes.We were in the camp for like three days.

But I talked to friends and put everything in the hands of God.

So how do you handle defeat?

I feel bad but at the same time I feel it gives me an opportunity to learn one or two things that could help me grow further in my career. I believe I am still young and I would make mistakes. No experience is a total waste.

Is modelling your childhood dream?

It started from when I was a kid, precisely when Agbani won Miss World. Since then I’ve always been all around it because her accomplishment inspired me. I look up to her as my role model. So modeling for me started from when I was small, though I nearly dumped it. My sister too used to be a beauty queen, but she didn’t really take it serious.

What is it like being a young model?

It has been tough I must say. Only few people will believe in you or you can actually go places. There are instances when agents would demand for sex from you to be considered, but I believe it is a choice. No one can force anyone to do what she or she doesn’t wish to do. And I have chosen not to do what some people will do. I am not so desperate; I would just take it step by step because I don’t have any reason to rush into anything. I don’t have to do anything I am not supposed to do.

How do you cope with school given the frequent travels which pageants entail?

I try not to do much whenever I am in school except it is something closer to the school. If I am to travel; I would not let it clash with my academic activities. Whenever we are on break, I make use of it well.