Anna Banner deserve the crown – Stephanie Okwu (MBGN 1st Runner Up)

Little has been heard from Stephanie Okwu, who emerged 1st runner-up at the  Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013 beauty pageant. Contrary to reports that the contest was floored and manipulated, the 19-year-old Biology Education under-graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who will represent Nigeria at Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Russia, later in the year, tells Patience Ivie-Ihejirika that the pageant was merit based. Excerpts:

What’s your reaction to claims of girls manipulating the organisers, in order to emerge winners?

I didn’t experience any of that, because the camp was too busy and tight. There was so much to do in those two weeks for anyone to have time for that. We woke up by 6am and went to bed at, say, 11pm, because we had to train, work-out and learn our routines. So, no one had time for that, though I didn’t notice. But for me, those rumours are not true.

So, will you say the competition is actually merit-based?

Yes, I believe it is merit-based.

Do you agree that the winner deserves the crown?

I will say everybody goes into the camp with the mind-set of winning, but there can only be one winner. But like I said, it is not just about beauty; there are so many parameters used for selecting the right person in camp –  the way you eat, talk, friendliness and disposition towards others, everything is judged. So, I wouldn’t say someone gets picked because she is just beautiful. I believe it takes a whole lot more than that. For me Anna, the winner, is a very beautiful young girl, she is 18 and I believe she has what it takes.

What do you think your chances will be at the Miss Universe competition?

I think my chances are high, because I have God – I’m not trying to sound too religious, but that is the truth. If you want to say you have beauty, there are lots of beautiful girls; if you want to say it is all about height, I am sure there are girls who might be taller than I am. Beauty can’t be everything, because when they ask you questions, they consider your answers, watch your poise, carriage and passion. Everything counts.) Meanwhile see fans reactions on MBGN instagram page: