The Zeal Nation has been supportive to Oworeugwem Eugene Effet,who is Nigerian model whom last year won the title Mister Ideal Nigeria -Tourism.He also represented Nigeria during Mister Africa International 2022 which was held in Angola.He shares some details on how his life changed since he joined the House of Twitch.We also talked about his other achievements such as catwalking at GFW .
Q.You are prominently known as Zeal Effect can you tell us about yourself?A.My name is Oworeugwem Eugene Effet, popularly known as Zeal – Mr Ideal Nigeria-Tourism 2022 and Mister Africa International – Nigeria 2022/2023. I am a Model, Actor, Brand Influencer and Content Creator, signed to House Of Twitch Talent Management.I’m a graduate of Microbiology from the University of Port Harcourt.I’ve always been a huge fan of talent and creativity, from my days at the University, and I got directly involved in entertainment activities in Port Harcourt since 2018.Planning and hosting events, meet and greets, and parties within and around the school was something I did with my friends regularly, and, for me, it was about bringing people together to unwind and connect in a relaxed environment. In 2021, I decided to explore my talents within the modelling space, hence my journey to becoming Mr Ideal Nigeria.Being my first exposure to modelling, there were several ups and downs, detours and obstacles, but in all, I believe it was meant to be.Regardless of how much progress I made with little or no experience, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to say I’m special, but I know that there are certain qualities I have that make me stand out wherever I’m found.Above all, the fact that I’m straightforward, diligent with my work, open to learning and correction, and delight in making people cheerful would be what makes me exceptional.In December 2022, I made my runway debut at the Global fashion week in Accra, Ghana.Following my progress with Modeling, I went further to explore my goal of getting involved in acting, by attending one of the leading film institutes in Nigeria, the Royal Art Academy.While in training, my delivery stood out from the rest, and I got the lead role in several projects.Among the projects include Selina 2 and Battle of the Exes, which both have combined views of over 2,800,000 on YouTube.
Apart from work, there are other things I hold to heart, so much that they define my life and inform my decisions, and in order of priority, they include God, Family, Legacy, Money, Friends, Happiness and Fun.Also, I have a thing for mind games, and will always never turn down a conversation on varying topics, from romance, adventure, entertainment, art, and, of course, finance, provided they offer intelligent perspectives.One would wonder what I’m trying to achieve with all of this – acting, pageantry, modelling, and other endeavours.For me, it’s all about impact.You know that tingling sensation you get when someone smiles back at you for coming through?The swelling in your chest when you see others benefit from a legacy you built or when you get a text saying ‘Thank you’?That’s what I live for, and it has led me to launch my foundation this year “ZEAL NATION FOUNDATION”.Our goal is simple: to lift as many people as possible out of hunger and poverty, and put smiles on people’s faces, while making the world a tiny teeny weeny little bit better.
Q.How has House of Twitch changed your life?A.When I decided to venture into modelling, I was doing so, bearing the whole responsibility for the risk.At the time, I had zero experience or exposure, and here I was, soliciting support in cash and kindness from friends, family and strangers, just to keep the dream alive.I started taking classes and gym sessions in preparation for the journey, and the only hope I had was that God put the dream in my heart and He will fulfil it.My whole journey from Port Harcourt to Lagos for Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022 was a miracle; I had to pray for every ounce of support that took me there, and I believe that God rewarded my effort.Nevertheless, things changed after I emerged victorious at the pageant.Becoming a part of the House of Twitch family felt like handing a silver spoon to a child that is used to eating with his hands.The progress I’ve made in 10 months would ordinarily have taken me, at least, 4 years, but with the experienced guidance and mentorship of Mr Ayotunde Twitch, I’ve gone from being an inexperienced model to walking the runway at an International Global Fashion Week, being sought after by designers.As part of their unending contribution to my success, I received a scholarship to attend film school where I got to explore acting and the opportunities that exist there.Like any other journey, there have been obstacles and some detours, even certain mistakes and shortcomings on my part, but the team has been empathetic and helped me fight certain battles and struggles on my way up.They have provided a platform for me to explore my talents, explore new ideas and discover myself. For me, House of Twitch is like an all-in-one package – instead of chasing everything one after the other, they understand your unique journey and set you up for the opportunities that best suit you.
Q.You recently catwalked at GFW, can to share with us how you manage to be part of thd participates?A.I was invited by the producers of Global Fashion Week, Accra.Every year, one Royal from Mr Ideal Nigeria with an exceptional walk gets an invite to rock the runway.As life would have it, this year, they found selected me to do the magic, and the rest is history.
Q.How did you resist nerves during GFW?A..This is such a valid question because, not only was it my first time on the runway, it happened that it was a runway as big as GFW.I had always been eager to play the international game, and there have been opportunities here and there, but due to some constraints, I had to let them go.When it was confirmed that I’ll be attending GFW, it felt like I had a point to prove to myself and my family (my biological family, House of Twitch, my friends, and others that support my journey).I needed to prove that I want a ‘one-hit-wonder’.I needed to show that my success at Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022 was a product of grace and diligence as opposed to mere luck.As expected, the pressure was real, but then, it has always been about going hard or going home.And the only time we go home is to celebrate the success of going hard.The nerves and pressure all led me to put in the work.I spent as much time preparing my mind for the task as I did perfecting my poise, walk and posture.I repurposed the pressure into motivation, and I let it drive me.Let’s just say I learnt from those who have gone ahead.Like J Cole would say, I studied the greats… I’m the greatest right now.
Q.Who are the designers you catwalked for?A. I walked for five incredible designers
Brands I walked for.
- Celia’s Inspiration
- GC Batik
- Fenz
- Bushai Weave
- Cheddars clothing
My favourite design was the ‘agbada’ by Cheddars clothing.It felt like they made it with me in mind.The look, the feel and the overall exuberance of the design inspired confidence and gusto in me.
Q. Among your achievements this year, you participated at Mister Africa International.What was the most memoriable moment for you ?A. The truth about Mister Africa International is that, at some point, it felt like a leap of faith.Although I got involved in other things, following the success of Mr Ideal Nigeria 2022, when the opportunity came to represent Nigeria at Mister Africa International, it felt natural.I was eager to put myself out on the continental stage, meet other amazing people and brands, and gain relevant exposure.It felt like a should-happen. All of me wanted to go to Angola and secure the top spot.When the preliminary stages of the competition started, it was such a smooth ride, going through without much stress.During the Fan Voting Stage on Instagram, things changed.
In the case of Mr Ideal Nigeria, I was leading the Instagram Voting almost from start to finish, except for when another contestant began to gain grounds during final hours.
Considering my experience with Instagram Voting, I thought it would be another walk in the park.
To my surprise, when the Instagram Fan Vote stage started, it took a while for me to get substantial votes.
Days into the voting, I was struggling to be in the Top 10.
In the midst of the despair, I realized how much further people can go with the relevant support.In course of Mr Ideal Nigeria, we started a community of friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers who go all out to support me.Tagged – Zeal Nation – members pool resources in cash and favours, rally around themselves to make sure that I have all I need to get to the next level.They are the pillar upon which my success stands.When it was obvious that I was struggling with the voting stage of Mister Africa International, they accepted the responsibility for my success, and they went all out to canvas for votes.I’ll never forget the support of the Mr Ideal Nigeria Team whose support provided a solid launching pad for me.
The Port Harcourt branch of Zeal Nation went as far as contacting Social Media Influencers, sponsoring my posts on blogs and reposting my content.After all said and done, with the overwhelming support I enjoyed, we finished the Instagram Voting Stage on top.The whole thing has been surreal, with the support of such as selfless community whose preoccupation is my progress.With them, I can dream bigger and aim for the stars, knowing that they will always come through.
Q. What do you think should be done to develop Africa’s modeling industry for both pageants and runway?A. Modelling is still a growing industry in Africa, and I’m happy to be a part of it at this level.
It helps me understand the unique challenges we face and offers the opportunity to contribute to the change we want to see.
In order of priority, I believe that, despite the power of networking, no great system can be built on cliques and cartels.
There has to be a system that identifies raw talent across the continent, gives such talent the opportunity to learn and improve, and expose them to levels they would only have dreamt of.
Like in my case, I have come this far in such a short time because House of Twitch was willing to take a chance on me, and bear the risk of giving an inexperienced guy the platform to learn, make mistakes and grow.
Provided that there is no defined pathway to identify and harness talents across the continent, we will either keep over working the system or let mediocrity walk the runway with puffed arms and highly raised shoulders.
Modelling is beyond bodybuilding, looks and poise.There is an art to it, and there has to be a system that guides interested people through this art, and gives them the opportunity to explore their gifts within the industry.The need for us to reposition the industry from being an extension of the beauty and fitness niche to taking our place as the system that understands and communicates the message, style and culture of brands in a way that the target audience gets to feel, adore and engage such brands.We must go beyond the distraction of social media to building this system that African and global brands can rely on to represent and their brand message to their target market.I believe that this would be a fair starting point.
Q.Its holiday did you spending your holiday especially during Christmas .A .Oh I spent the Christmas Day in Accra, more like a little vacation, but I’ll be spending the new year in Nigeria, not with my family though. It’s the first Christmas I’m spending far away from home. This year has been a whole lot, so I’m spending time reminiscing on how the year went, how far I’ve come and what I need to do to be better. It’s a really refreshing time for me
Q.List 5 of your favourite Jams that you sang last year,on the 31st of December?A.See what the Lord has done – Nathaniel Bassey ,Most High God – Tye Tribbett,This is a Move – Tasha Cobbs,Lift me up – Rihanna,Soso – Omah Lay
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 