WOW! I just have to thank GOD! People tell me that the shock and excitement will eventually wear off but I'm not convinced that it ever will. Well...let me not say that because as soon as I have to hand over my crown to make way for a new queen with a new vision I'm sure I'll be shocked but in no way will I be excited! (LOL) I can't believe that 4 months have already passed. It seems like yesterday I was jumping up and down after hearing my name and the announcement that I, Ronke Abidemi Oke, have been crowned Miss Nigeria in America, 2008! WHOA! Now its four months later and I am just now beginning to track my journey. This is actually a great place to start. I am now settled in my new position, have set up my vision and platform for the year, and from today on out will be engaged in what I like to call "Implementation." I am very excited about this year, about what will happen next. But it seems fair to bring you up to speed....
September 6, 2008
As soon as I was crowned I was given my first appearance as Miss Nigeria in America. I presented an award to Honorable Patience Jonathan (wife of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Vice President of Nigeria) at the 'Beyond the Tears' Humanitarian Awards Show in Harlem, New York. My presentation would have been memorable if in fact I had a chance to meet the 2nd Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan. Unfortunately for me she and everyone else of importance in Nigeria made an emergency trip back to Nigeria. I just stood on stage smiling that big smile of mine as I presented to the Secretary who accepted the award on her behalf. But it didn't turn out too bad. I was pleased that everyone was excited about my appearance at the event and genuinely wanted to meet me, exchange business cards, and take pictures. I felt like a celebrity and received all of the perks that comes with fame. I also got to reconnect with one of my fellow Delegates from the Pageant and my twin, Joycee Awojoodu, Miss Enugu 2008.
October 25, 2008
The next event I attended was Nylah's Catering's Charity Gala, "Feed the Children". The event was phenomenal. I learned so much about the lives of our children back home in Nigeria. The event sought to provide food for the thousands of child hawkers on Nigeria's street and sponsored the Poorest of the Poor orphanage in Abuja. It was also my first speaking engagement. I was so committed to the efforts that Nylah's Catering was sponsoring so the words I offered were directly from my heart. My speech, I think, encouraged everyone to take responsibility for the state of our children and to make it their duty to provide these street children with a life of love, hope, opportunity, security, well-being and prosperity. I also took the opportunity to introduce the audience to who I was and to make them aware of the work I plan to do this year. I think that my main appeal is that I do everything with passion. From the words I speak to servicing the community to getting all Nigerians involved to the platform I adopted this year, all of this resounds the passion I have for other people and the pride I have in my culture and country. I was delighted to have an opportunity to share this message with the people at the Gala event.
November 28, 2008
After the Charity event I visited the women of N Street Village. N Street Village is in the District of Columbia and the organization provides food, clothing, showers, transitional and permanent housing, mental and physical health care, and support for homeless and low-income women. N Street Village empowers the women and encourages them to reach their highest potential in all areas of life. Serving over 600 women, N Street Village has been built and maintained with principals of strength, dignity, ability, and personal responsibility. I participated in the Sister's Circle program and drew from my personal experiences and ideals to empower the women of the N Street Village. But the main inspiration came from the women of N Street. The stories that they shared and their willingness to open their lives so that others could learn from their decisions was amazing. They taught me that day that life is a fight for happiness and realizing that happiness is not just momentary pleasure but a way of life that you commit to every day of your life. And they also reminded me that life is also about the decisions you make. Though we cannot always make the best decisions, we have to prevent ourselves from reaching rock bottom before we begin to fight for our happiness. I think I learned more from the women than they did from me. That's how life is sometimes. You think you are going to be of service to someone else but you end up being served. And it is in those moments that you realize how valuable the spiritual bond between women really is. For this reason, MNIA, Inc. is going to continue working with the women at N Street and have made a pact to continue to support this mission in uplifting women globally.
December 13, 2008
For the Christmas season, I made a trip to Los Angeles to support Miss Nigeria in America, 2007, Ms. Peace Amadi, as MNIA, Inc. returned to PATH Regional Homeless Center. This year marks the third year MNIA has been involved with PATH. With a mission that seeks to "break the cycle of homelessness by empowering people with the tools for self-sufficiency," PATH assists their members with finding work, securing housing, and life empowerment. Their "hand up" approach (as opposed to a "hand out") to tackling the growing problem of homelessness is innovative and simply inspirational. This event seemed to me to be the epitome of selfless service:it was not about MNIA at all that day, it was about the men and women at PATH. Everything we did was a full commitment to ensuring that the people at PATH felt the love that only the holidays can bring. While preparing the meal for that evening we put more than our foot into it, we put our hearts, our souls, and every fiber of our being. And as we sang the Christmas carols, we poured out our hearts. I read this quote that seems fitting for this event: The best exercise for the heart is to bend over and help someone out." And I can honestly say that we got a full workout.
As you can see, the first 4 months have been a tailspin of adventure and appearances. With magazine interviews, photo shoots, invitations to various events, and a large network of supporters and contributors, I truly feel like a queen. I also feel extremely supported. Everywhere I go and everyone I have met has shown me nothing but love and support. They want to help. People want to be involved in the changes that Nigeria is beginning to see. They are excited about fresh ideas and persons who are committed to resolving the problems that thwart the growth and development of such a strong nation. I thank everyone for their support. It is truly what keeps me going.
If people are excited about the past 4 months, just wait until you see what I have in store. 2009 is a big year for the world and I plan to do my part and, as my sister Dupe always says, leave my footprint on the world!
Much Love,
Ronke Abidemi Oke
Miss Nigeria in America 2008
