In an interaction with him , he talks more about his experience in the competition and he further shares some of his views about the challenges that are faced by models in Nigeria .
To know more about Okeke Soludo Marcel the lawyer,actor,model and the reigning King of Nigeria male model pageant check out the conversation.
A: Okeke Soludo Marcel is a lawyer, who has carved out a niche for himself as a runway/commercial model he was recently crowned as a pageant king with the title of Mister Model Nigeria.
He has worked for big brands and jauggnauts In the fashion world and beauty line .i.e Taryor Gabriel, ILI, I.N Official, Tokyo James to mention but a few.
He has also graced the runways of major fashion shows in Nigeria .i.e GT fashion week, Lagos fashion week to mention but a few.
He is currently the face of juggernaut beauty brand Essenza. Asides modelling he is also an actor, social media manager and the creative director of a media agency.
He is also a member of BFET a foundation, that caters to the needs of elderly people and also orphanage homes. Marcel is a very determined person and strives to always add value to people around him and the society at large as much possible.
Q:What inspired you to take part in the pageant Mister Model Nigeria?
A:Having followed closely, the career of the former winner Emmanuel Somto I was impressed and inspired by how much he was able to impact positively, into the lives of people.
As a pageant king, he achieved so much with his position as a humanitarian, a model and a philanthropist too.
I’ve always longed to positively, contribute to my society and add value to the lives of others and participating in the Mister Model Nigeria competition was a no-brainer for me.
Q:Why do you think you were selected by the judges as the King of the pageant ?
A: I didn’t do anything special from the other contestants but I’d say -Firstly I’d say my charisma and gentility favoured me along the way. -Secondly whenever I was given the opportunity to speak, especially about the various challenges in our society today, I genuinely spoke from my heart without fear or fervour. -Also my “never say die” attitude put me in a good stead to win.
Q:Since you won the pageant’s title how has your life within your community changed and how are you planning to use your title to develop your surroundings?
A: Since I won, a lot has changed personally for me.
I’ve now been vested with lot of responsibilities and I definitely have to carry myself as a king, it’s a whole new chapter for me and one I’ve embraced with open arms. As a king there’s a lot to do in my society – firstly I’d be involved in a lot of volunteering work for causes such as; awareness about mental health, educating people (men especially) about rape and its ills in our society, breast cancer awareness just to mention but a few. -secondly, I’d be advocating for educational reforms in Nigeria. -thirdly, I want to change the negative media about Africa and Africans and let the world know how amazing we are as a people. These are just a few of the projects on my must do list.
Q:As a Nigerian youth,what are some of the challenges that you are facing in the modelling sector ?
A: Thank you for that question, as a Nigerian model there quite a few challenges especially as a male model here in Nigeria.
A lot of times, models are looked down as people who aren’t academically sound and probably don’t have a choice to do nothing else asides modelling.
That negative narrative, has overtime discouraged lots of parents from supporting their children from attempting modelling in any form.
There’s not enough spotlight on male models in Nigeria, it’s only in recent times that various platforms, agencies have started to provide an outlet for male models to shine through and become visible. Having won the Mister Model Nigeria competition, you’d agree with me that we need more platforms like this to encourage and support male models in Nigeria.
Q:Besides in modelling what are some of the challenges Nigeria youths face and what do you think should be the solution ?
A:I’d start off with unemployment, this has been a bane in Nigeria for a long time.
A viable solution is to identify the reasons why so many of our industries are no longer working.
We used to have the Ajaokuta steel industry that was once a beacon of hope.
Nigeria used to be a big player in textile production, over the years that industry has collapsed.
Agriculture as well needs to be heavily invested into, we need a diversification in our economy and by so doing more jobs would be available for the burgeoning number of unemployed people in Nigeria.
Another major challenge Nigerian youths face is the sorry state in the standard of education in all levels primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions.
For this question I’d be focusing on the tertiary institutions, the federal and state universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country have at various times, observed a general strike or more and this has led to a long awaiting period of uncertainty for the undergraduates while their mates in private institutions are never bothered with any strike. The striking actions puts a hold up on the undergraduate student’s life and causes lots of distraction and could expose one to unwanted temptations. As the saying goes, an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. I strongly believe the best way to solve this issue would be to properly provide better pay packages to lecturers in these institutions.
Q:What is next for you in the modelling industry ?
A: For me, getting an international placement would go a long way in raising my profile. Also, working with lots of big brands would definitely be a plus for my modelling career. I’d also like to use my opportunity as a model, to provide a platform for would be models to get the exposure that they need as well.
Q:what lessons did you learn from the pageant ?
A: The biggest lesson I learnt, is to always strive to branch out of one’s comfort zone it might not be easy but it’s definitely important to try out something new always. Opportunities comes to those, who are willing and ready to take it by the scruff of the neck.
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