Winning his first title at University opened up doors for him. With his height and complexion different pageant organisers saw the greatness in,Okatta-Isinwa Senator Chidozie.In an exclusive dialogue with him, we talk about his international title first runner up of Misters of Nigeria and how he foresee the future of his nation’s modeling sector.
Q.Modeling has been part of your life, can you introduce yourself and tell us how your journey started?A.My name is Okatta-Isinwa Senator Chidozie and I’ll walk you through how I started modeling. I have always been a fan of modeling and because of my height many people advised I’d dive into it. This journey actually started outside a hall in my university where I was approached and asked to contest in what was later the biggest campus pageant in the southeast. I was told that my physique and complexion was exactly what the organization needed. At that time I had already participated in two school pageants. Winning one and coming First runner up in the other. Then it was for fun. After I was convinced I took it upon myself to find out if this is what I’d love to do. Gracefully I won that pageant which gave me an automatic slot to contest in the Misters of Nigeria pageant. Contesting in the Misters of Nigeria pageant was my greatest accomplishment at that time because I went through over a hundred applicants to emerge First Runner up. It wasn’t easy though as with anything good that comes in life but it was worth it. Today I proud to have taken that step because it has now enabled me to raise my country’s flag and represent internationally.
Q.Take us to the title that you won at the University how did it opened up doors for you ?A:The title Mr Imsu exposed me to a world of opportunities that I never knew existed. It gave me opportunities to meet people who have in one way or another impacted me positively into becoming who I am today. If not for the exposure accompanied with that title I would not have been where I am at this stage in my career today.
Q.Is modeling a paying job in your view?A.Modeling in my view is a paying job. But it requires the right amount of sacrifices before one can begin to earn especially in our country today.
Q.When you were announced as the runner up what thoughts came to your mind?A.Honestly, at that moment all I could think of was how proud I had made my family and myself. Going into the competition as the youngest and most inexperienced I would say kind of left me doubtful. But at the end of the day all the hard work and dedication I and my team put into the competition paid off and it was a big relief to me.
Q.Do you believe that Nigeria’s modeling industry has reached international level?A.definitely do, Nigeria has made waves internationally on many platforms and we are sure to keep making waves. We have models who have changed the narrative from what was to what it is now.
Q.What changes are you hoping can impact the modeling industry in Africa?A. I hope they begin to pay more attention to modeling and seeing it as not just showbiz but also as a means of livelihood as a career choice and one that should not be relegated to the background. I hope the begin to treat kings and queens who represent internationally with more respect and regard. And that funding also goes into the modeling industries all over African countries.
Q.Aside from modeling what else do you do ?A. I am a Humanitarian, an advocate for early childhood education, an actor and basketball player.
Q.How has your community benefited from the title? A.In my own way I have tried to give back to the community I come from. That’s why I started a mini project tagged “Project Reach 4 Books”. This project is aimed at least funding a child’s fees for school and providing materials for adequate learning in schools occasionally. I believe the only way to attain success is through education.
Q.Lastly state 5 of your favourite jams currently, you are dancing to..A. I am a big fan of music. I listen to all kinds but for the reason of this question here are my 5 favourite jams currently( not of all time)
I. How are you – Johnny Dr Uni – Blaqbones
III. Voice of the Heroes – Lil baby ft Lil durk
IV. I know – Polo G
V. Stand Strong – Davido
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 