Written by Ade Onibada
ADEBISI AKINDAYINI was crowned the first Miss Nigeria UK last year and the young beauty queen is intent on making every moment count.
From combating stereotypes with her infectious smile and the recent launch of her social enterprise Young, Gifted Initiative (YGI), this is one young queen who plans to keep reigning with or without a title.
“Anybody that was backstage [at the pageant] would probably say that I was an absolute mess,” the 21-year-old recalls.
“At one point I was even thinking that I couldn’t do it anymore because all of these bad things were happening to me.
“As soon as I made my way on stage, my dress for the traditional wear category that I had practised and worn dozens of times split wide open and I had to miss my slot while someone sewed me in,” she laughs.
Her night also featured a dreaded stage trip in towering heels and to finish it off, she missed her slot for a second time.
“I walked to the stage and there were no batteries in my electric violin and I had to come off stage again and they let someone else take my slot.”
While she can laugh at the catastrophes that occurred on that eventful night, beating five other impressive contestants vying for the ultimate position is an accolade she didn’t expect.
“I think they [the judges] saw me for who I was,” says the self-confessed nerd.
So just who is Bisi – as she is known to friends – Akindayini?
Firstly, the British-born south Londoner is proud of her Nigerian heritage and more importantly, she loves a challenge.
“My friends mentioned the competition to me in a group chat. I looked at it and wasn’t entirely sure because I wasn’t a pageant girl. The walk for pageant is different from a runway walk, but I like a challenge,” she says. “I feel like pageants are a great opportunity to push yourself and really see how great you can be so I reconsidered.”
There’s no doubt about what makes the pageant winner stand out. Her ‘girl-next-door’ charm coupled with her envious figure and stunning face is topped off by a really captivating smile.
“I remember when I first won the competition and went back to university, most people knew who I was and weren’t entirely sure how to approach me. People are often surprised by how friendly I am in person, but the winner has to be down to earth and not let the title go to her head.”
Ahead of beginning the final year of her psychology degree, the student is also using her time as Miss Nigeria UK to confront negative stereotypes about the pageant industry.
“The first time I went to the Nigerian High Commission, I remember I was sitting next to a lady who was watching me. She candidly turned and said, ‘I don’t really like pageant queens.’ And there I was dressed up with my sash and crown,” laughs the beauty.
“She did follow on to say, ‘but I like you, you don’t seem like the rest of them.’ I think there are stereotypes about what some girls are willing to do to win because it’s very competitive. All I can do is be true to myself and do it with a smile.”
For Bisi, winning the coveted crown has deeper significance.
“When I first entered I wasn’t thinking about winning, I was really going for the challenge and I felt like it really taught me about Nigeria, what it means to represent your culture, and how much of a role model you can be.”
Raised by her single mother, she recently launched her foundation, YGI, which is a mentoring forum pairing young people with established names in their chosen industries.
“Legacy is important to me. When you’re no longer here, what will people say about you and how did you impact people’s lives for the better? I like to live life to leave a long lasting legacy,” she says.
YGI was formally presented to the Nigerian High Commissioner and is driven by the purpose of advancing young people’s lives.
“I’m committed to seeing it grow. It’s a platform designed to inspire, educate and help young people understand the importance of their self-worth and self-identity. The main idea is making sure that they know that greatness can be achieved regardless of their background,” explains the passionate founder.
In just a matter of weeks, the competition will be reignited to select Bisi’s successor and as last year’s winner she has some words of wisdom for anyone looking to be crowned a pageant queen.
“She needs to have a genuine personality, be down to earth and be in the competition for the right reasons.”
After her win at the well-publicised event last year, the pageant novice became hot property.
“When you win, you’re in the limelight and people are kind enough to want to give you freebies and get you to wear their dresses. A lot of people will be reaching out wanting to know you but you’ve got to keep a level head and remember who you are without the crown. Don’t be in it because you want a little fame and a spotlight.”
Looking forward, the focused young lady is now planning for the bigger picture, which includes completing her psychology degree and becoming Dr Adebisi Akindayini.
“I’ve always been passionate about making a difference, which is always my motivation to do well,” she says. “I want to finish my psychology degree, and then get a doctorate in clinical psychology so I can become Dr Adebisi Akindayini. I want to specialise in child development. More than anything, I want to make my mum proud. She raised me and my sister on her own, so seeing her happy means the world to me.” – Voice
For more information, follow @MissNigeriauk14 on Twitter
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