Mr ideal Nigeria is rated as one of the most empowering male pageants in Nigeria.It has uplifted every model who has stepped in it’s doors, to reach their dreams.Part of those dreams is taking part in Mister Africa International ;getting involved in building a healthy environment for their communities by conducting charity work;catwalking in one of the top fashion events in Africa and not forgetting touring.We had a conversation with one of the models who managed to win the title Mister Ideal Nigeria :Anthony Okechukwu .Find out what he had to say about his reign
.We had a conversation with one of the models who managed to win the title Mister Ideal Nigeria , Anthony Okechukwu .Find out what he had to say !
Q:Anthony we thank you for your time can you introduce yourself by telling us about your bio?
A:Hey, thank you for having me.
My name is Anthony Okechukwu and I am a Nigerian and I am Originally from
Agukwu Nri in Anambra state but I stay in Abuja.
I am a graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Ghana, and an award-winning model, a pageant king, a humanitarian and an entrepreneur.
I am the second of two boys born to my parents. I love fashion, travelling, cooking and connecting with people
Q:This year history will be made as you will be handing over your title in March ,what does it mean to you?
A:It is honestly a bitter sweet feeling but as they say all good things come to an end eventually because in as much as I enjoyed being the MR Ideal Nigeria and all the benefits that came with the title.
I have to let it go for the new king to begin his journey and join my predecessors in the hall of fame.
It has been a true privilege and I pray that the next king carrying on from me takes the title to higher heights .
Q:Can you share with us your experience as Mister Ideal Nigeria?
A:Where do I start, being MR Ideal Nigeria has been a roller-coaster of mixed exciting emotions, it has opened so many doors to me, amplified my voice and given me a platform to grow my career and brand from what it was to what it is now. Working with the MR Ideal Team is definitely an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Q:What were some of your greatest achievements as Mister Ideal Nigeria?
A:I titled my project facilitating learning in the younger generation.
The goal of my project is to sensitize students on the importance of consistency, self-improvement, rewarding oneself for any little achievement, being patient and kind to oneself (self-love) and others.
Things I didn’t do enough of growing up and it affected my self confidence.
I am on a mission to give back to my community, to be a support system to the new generation, to share my story, to motivate and remind them that they are not alone, that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it and if I could do it, so can they.
To also encourage parents and teachers to never give up on any child, to be patient and remember that every child is unique.
Q:In terms of your success through your journey,what/who contributed ?
A:My family and friends both new and old played a vital role in my success and for that I am very grateful, my personality, educational background, experience in modeling and God’s grace.
The truth is I came in with an open mind did my best and left the rest to God because there is so much, I can control.
Q:What lessons did you learn about modeling and your community through out the journey?
A:I have been modelling for a while now and I consider it an art form.
Just like any other form of art it requires a lot of practice, dedication and patience to master and you constantly need to keep evolving to remain relevant. Its really not as easy as most make it out to be
Throughout my career I have learnt a lot but the lesson that always stands out is that it is not all about being the prettiest face or having the best walk. Having a good and relatable character takes you a very long way.
The way you relate with people plays a very important role in deciding if they want to work with you or even be in the same space as you.
This applies not just in modeling but in life as well so be respectful and thoughtful towards every one you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Q:Anthony you worked close with the House of Twitch.Can you have three words to describe house of Twitch?
A:There are a lot of words to describe them but from the top of my head I would say: family, Patient and hardworking.
Q:Besides being a model ,you pursued your studies in Science and Technology university.
A:Yes, I studied Electrical /Electronic Engineering in the university which wasn’t easy because I had to combine it simultaneously with traveling for gigs.
However I have no regrets of any kind.
Q:One might wonder what legacy are you leaving for the next generation of Mister Ideal Nigeria ?
A:When I decided that I wanted to compete I was discouraged by many, told me that I was too skinny, that I wouldn’t make it far and that male pageants where for muscular guys.
However I went ahead regardless and I won.
By doing this I changed a lot of narratives by becoming the first king to prove that there are more attributes that contribute to being an ideal man and a pageant king than just muscles and physical strength and opened the door to the new generation of ideal men.
Q:Lastly yes you have shared your greatest achievements ,what about your moments?
A:Some of my greatest moments?! a lot has happened within the space of one year that I don’t know where to start. from honoring invitations from high-ranking officials in my state, to traveling for fashion shows, to attending movie premiers and collaborating with amazing brands .it has all been a surreal and humbling experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am also super excited for all that is yet to come.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 