Background
My name is Simisola Banjo. I am Sisi Oge, Pride of Africa 2014. I am a 21-year-old final year student of the Lagos State University where I am studying industrial relations and personnel management. I am from Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State. I am the second of three children and my parents ensured my siblings and I were not pampered unnecessarily. My father was very strict but never objected to me participating in pageants.
Beauty pageants
I learnt about the pageant eight years ago but I had to wait until I was ready and old enough. I enrolled for the pageant because it is an indigenous pageant that promotes African culture and values. It gives a platform to give back to the society in more ways than one. I had participated in other pageants like Miss Alimosho 2011 which I won and Miss Lagos Carnival in 2013 but this is just different. My family has been very supportive before, during and after the pageant.
Life in camp
It was an interesting and challenging experience. We were in camp for five days and were taught poise, etiquette, catwalk and dance to mention but a few. It was an opportunity for the contestants to know one another.
Winning the crown
I did not know I was going to win. It was not a victory I expected but it was a sweet one. We were all beautiful and intelligent ladies in camp which made me very prayerful. When I was announced the winner, it took me several minutes before it dawned on me that I had actually won.
Projects
My schedule has been hectic since I won the pageant. I have gone on several courtesy visits and deliberating on the projects I will be working on during my reign. The first one is Heritage After School Centre. The other one is Students In Need Initiative. I will also be involved in women empowerment programmes.
Life as a beauty queen
I was crowned in May 2014. It has been a different ball game since then and I have had to make some adjustments in my life because I now represent a brand. I exercise caution whenever I am in public. It has not been very easy adjusting but so far, I don’t think I have performed poorly.
School and Sisi Oge
As a beauty queen, I understand that education is paramount. It has not been easy but with a lot of discipline, it is achievable. Things will be done in a way that none suffers at the expense of the other. Even though final year at the university is tough, I will succeed with the support of my team.
Fame
I enjoy being a beauty queen but I don’t want to dwell on the fame. I have too many responsibilities to carry out now. When my reign comes to an end, I want to be remembered as the queen whose pet projects made a lasting impression on the populace. I am going to do a lot to ensure the projects outlive me.
Men
Even before I became a queen, I used to get love overtures from the opposite sex. The same way I dealt with it before I was crowned is the same way I will deal with it now. My manner of approach is not going to be different from that of every other well-brought up lady.
My Mr. Right
I am not in a relationship at the moment but my ideal man has to be a goal-getter and not a gold-digger. He must have the fear of God and understand my personality.
Style
Being Sisi Oge, Pride of Africa has had a positive impact on my wardrobe. I wear a lot of African fabrics including those made from Ankara and aso-oke. I weave my hair and wear accessories that reflect my African heritage.
Beauty routine
I don’t do much to keep my skin looking beautiful. I use a facial scrub religiously and I drink lot of water. I am a sucker for natural products.
Relaxation
A lot of times, I prefer to switch off my phone and go to sleep. At other times, I go swimming with friends
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