Ayomide Emmanuel Olowoporoku is the current Mr Nigeria International. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, the model, life stock farmer and student of criminology and security studies takes you into his world and future plans
WHAT or who inspired you to go into the Mr Nigeria Pageant International?
This pageant has given me the opportunity to advocate and be a role model to young people across the country. The major thing for me is service to humanity in all form and it has opened my eyes to so many things.
Interestingly, it all started when I met Odunayo Oluwatuyi who was Mr Nigeria International 2017/2018 in November 2017. We got talking and I told him then that I wanted to be like him and he asked me why and we kept talking. I told him that the title would give me more edge and audience to help me be an agent of positive change in the society. He was impressed and I recall that he told me that I deserved it.
What gave you an edge over others?
Apparently, this was the exact question I was asked on stage during the contest. So I will just quote myself again. Knowing that the theme of the year’s competition is “exquisite edition”, I just said, “Everyone deserves to win but the edge I have over others is the fact that I am the exquisite edition of them all.”
What were you doing before this and what was the experience like?
Before my present title, I was already a state king. The first ever crowned Mr Osun International 2018/19, but then the pressure and responsibility wasn’t as much as it is now.
What about some memorable moments in your life and career?
I must say that there are a number of such moments. But the most striking was on 15th of July 2019. That day, I gave a pep talk titled: “Who really are you?” at Bowen University and the students were really impressed. They all asked for my autograph after the talk.
Also memorable for me was my first live TV interview on TVC Wake Up Nigeria last year in October. I must say that I was so nervous initially but it got better later.
Another interesting and memorable day for me was when I was shortlisted for Nigerian Defence Academy ASFB list. This is a story for another time.
Did you encounter some challenges?
The major challenge I am facing is trying to balance my personal life with my career. I am a totally different person from being MR NIGERIA GLOBAL, so switching can be challenging.
Tell us about your pet project
It’s an innovation titled “DIS IS ABILITY”. The project focuses majorly on those with disabilities. The major concept is to make them see that there’s ability in disability through our two different proposed projects.
Under this scheme, there is going to be a six-day skill acquisition and empowerment programme. There would also be a music art exhibition and trade fair.
The second part features what we tagged Mr and Miss Impaired Nigeria Pageantry and a fashion show for people with disability. It is going to be a great way to inspire and motivate them in different ways.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?
My greatest influence in life is my dad. I just want to prove to him that entertainment as a whole can be used to channel something meaningful and tangible. The industry can bring the very best out of everyone, no matter your age or talent.
Let’s compare when you started doing this and now; what has changed?
Well, I’m a sanguine by temperament, which makes me so playful and loud. Since I was crowned, I got to realise that I need to be a perfect gentleman, especially in public. My sitting posture, the way I walk and especially the way I talk, mannerisms have all changed.
What are some of the changes that you would like to see in Nigeria?
I will like to see a complete change in the educational system or learning process in Nigeria. I believe there are no bad students, only bad teachers. They only turn our brain to a pressure cooker. Human learn by osmosis. We need mentors, not teachers.
What are some of the lessons that you have learnt?
My manager, Mr Ayo Edema, has taught me to try every option available before giving up on anything.
What is your definition of style?
To me, style simply means expressing yourself in your own way, in different forms.
What are the things that you treasure most in life?
I treasure the beauty of nature, time, selflessness, success and achievements.
How do you relax?
l practically don’t know how to relax. But I know I feel perfect when I’m listening to good music.
Tell us about the things that inspire you
There’s a quote that always inspires me and I have built my world around it. It says: “Tough times don’t last, only tough people do”.
Who are the people you admire?
In the Nigerian entertainment industry, one person which I admire the most is Denrele Edun. I like him because he’s all about self-definition, transparency and longevity and these are factors that I admire.
My major role model is ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is a true example of a leader.
What occupies your time?
I love rehearsing with my musical instruments. It keeps me going and I get lots of inspiration that way.
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