The Nigerian Woman

MNIA, Inc. identifies Nigerian women in the US who exemplify beauty, talent, supremacy and intelligence. It aims to create new role models who through the Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant will serve as ambassadors that will define a new Nigeria, enrich the beauty of the Nigerian Woman and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Peace Amadi -Miss Nigeria in America 2007 on trendyafrica.com

Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007 is featured in the current issue of Trendy Africa Online Magazine.

Click HERE for more details.

Trendy Africa is an online community set to take you through an exploratory journey which ultimately would capture the hidden treasures of a beautiful continent - Africa.

Thanks Trendy Africa!

To book the Miss Nigeria in America 2007 or to feature her in your magazine, please contact Chioma Dike (Publicist) at chio_di@missnigeriainamerica.org or call 310.926.2316

MNIA, Inc.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

It's that time of the year again...

The Search is on for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America!!

Do you have what it takes to be the next Miss Nigeria in America.. Do you have PASSION for others? Are you committed to your community? Can you be a voice for Nigeria? Can you be an ambassador for women?

If you answer yes to all these, then read on....

THE 2008 MISS NIGERIA IN AMERICA BEAUTY PAGEANT DELEGATE APPLICATION

You may apply to be a delegate for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant by completing and submitting the online application and the $25.00 application fee.

Please note the following eligibility requirements must be met in order to proceed with the application process.
*Must be at least 18 years of age and under 25 years of age by August 30, 2008
*Must be in college, college bound or have graduated from college.
*Must be of Nigerian Descent (Either parent or both must be Nigerian).
*Must not be married, never have been married, and never have had a marriage annulled. Must never have given birth to a child, can not be pregnant or be a parent.
*Must be of good health and moral character.
*Must be a naturally born female, and must reside in the United States of America.
*Must agree, that if selected to compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant, they will abide by all the rules and regulations governing that pageant.

The 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant would be held in Los Angeles, California from August 27 – August 30, 2008.

VIDEO APPLICATION

You can submit your YOUTUBE LINK via the online application or mail a copy to:
MNIA, Inc.
9107 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450
Beverly Hills, CA
90210

Applications MUST be accompanied by a video and must meet the following requirements:

1. LENGTH: MAXIMUM OF THREE MINUTES anything over three minutes will not be considered.
2. FORMAT: A DVD or a Mini DV. Please write your name on your item when you submit.
3. CONTENT: Who are you, and why you should be selected to compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Be Creative!

The video will be become the property of the Producers and will not be returned to you, whether or not you are selected as a delegate.

GENERAL RULES

To be considered for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant, you must complete the application form in detail and pay the $25.00 application fee. The deadline to apply for the pageant is JUNE 15, 2008.
You must submit the 3 minute video labeled clearly with your name and application number that you receive when you apply for the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Please remember, you can submit your YouTube video via the online application.
All applications will be reviewed and processed and applicants would go through a scheduled phone interview.
Final delegates who would compete in the 2008 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant will be notified on or before July 6, 2008.

MNIA, Inc.
Beverly Hills, CA

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Diabetes and You ! - Week One

When I sat back and actually thought to myself, “when was the last time I went to see a doctor for a physical, sparking a chance to be tested for diabetes?” Like myself, I’m sure many of you can testify to that uneasy feeling you get when it comes to doctors, hospitals, needles and things of that nature. Sometimes even when we know there’s a problem, we still choose not to go. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s silly, not to mention detrimental to let this uneasy feeling stop us from getting checked-out for abnormalities in our system. We put all sorts of unnatural things into our bodies (junk food, processed food, sodas, etc.), and place all sorts of strain on our bodies, and expect that everything will be normal. But as we neglect our bodies, the less we remember to get “checked-out”. As this occurs, the more we can expect the little problems to turn into big dilemmas and before we know, we’re spending big bucks on treatments, medications and hospital visits on conditions that would not have existed had we taken time for early detection and prevention all together.

Out of the 20.8 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it! A level of concern is raised when the majority of this figure are of African descent. But one cannot fix what on does not know. That is why its important for us to be attentive to our bodies and health. Chances are nothing may be wrong, but if there is something wrong, it’s better to know now and make a plan to heal than to continue to unknowingly worsen your situation until its too late.

My people please take this quick test: http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp and get a feel for your risk of developing diabetes. This literally took me 10 seconds to do. And if you find you are at a moderate to high risk of developing diabetes, please make an appointment to be tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition in which blood-sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify for full-blown diabetes).This is a quick test that you can do during your next annual physical And for those of you at a low risk of developing diabetes, don’t take advantage of your health. Be good to your body and get your regular check-ups. Remember, doctors are our friends, but we must first be concerned about our bodies and our health before anyone else can be. It’s your body and temple.

Diabetes is a silent killer. Don’t let it sneak up on you.

With love,
Ms. Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Diabetes.................... the Silent Killer!


Four months ago, we lost a valuable member of Nigerian community and close friend of my family. While the world hung bright lights, exchanged gifts, and sung Christmas carols, we gathered around the grieving wife and children, offering our condolences, sobered by the untimely death of a strong, otherwise-healthy, young man. Diabetes. Another couple weeks later, I’d called a friend to check on her, only to find out that her dad had spent some quality holiday time in the hospital battling a myriad of serious disease complications. Diabetes. Two weeks ago, I’d learned that a friend had lost yet another relative who lived in Nigeria . His health had been deteriorating for quite some time, but nobody knew what the problem was. It was not until he died that doctors found what killed him. Diabetes.

In a very short period of time, I’ve gained a sense of the impending danger that more and more Nigerians will find themselves in if people continue to ignore this problem. As Nigerians, we take pride in our beauty, strength, and ability to overcome any obstacle that comes our way…and deservingly so! I too, find a voice in me that can admit no failure, no weakness, and no acceptance of anything but the best. But too often time, we hide a little ways from the stark reality: we are not invincible. And we cannot continue to ignore the warning signs of diseases familiar to our people, or discount the responsibility we have to educate ourselves and take care of our bodies, and expect to leave unscathed.

Diabetes Stats:-
-Over 143 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes.
-In the U.S. nearly 1 in 10 American adults (about 20.8 million people) have diabetes. Yet, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it!
-Of the African countries, Nigeria has the largest population of people living with diabetes with an estimated 1.5 million.
-African-Americans are more likely than any other ethnic group to develop Type 2 diabetes. This includes all Africans living in America .
-Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. and a major leading cause of death worldwide. It is indeed a chronic disease with currently no cure.

As you read the stats, one cannot help but think one thing: “No, not another one. Not another disease killing off our people.” That’s why as the Miss Nigeria in America 2007, I have decided to do something about it.

Riding for the Cure

On Saturday, June 14th, 2008, Miss Nigeria in America 2007 alongside MNIA, Inc.and supporters will ride the “Tour de Cure” as a symbol of our commitment to this campaign. The “Tour de Cure” is a 15-mile, bicycling event taking place in Long Beach , California.
It’s an American Diabetes Association sponsored event for all those who care to take a stand against diabetes and support the mission: “to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes.”
I will ride to support the efforts of the American Diabetes Association.
Every mile I ride, every dollar I raise will go towards diabetes research.
I will ride to create an awareness around diabetes in the African community, and specifically in the Nigerian community.
I will ride because I believe that if we rally around this cause – educating ourselves about ways to prevent and control diabetes - we will eradicate the disabling affect of diabetes on our community and the community at large.
I will ride for my country - Nigeria.

Will you ride for yours? In the upcoming weeks, I invite you to follow me as I prepare for this race. I will have write-ups concerning diabetes
For more information about Diabetes, please visit

Sincerely Yours,

Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007

Monday, March 17, 2008

Miss Nigeria in America Delegates!!!


When we started the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant, it was our intention to promote awareness about the Nigerian Culture and also create female ambassadors that will forge on a new Nigeria. One of our objective, "Identifying Nigerian women in the US who exemplify beauty, talent, supremacy and intelligence and aim to create new role models who through the beauty pageant will serve as ambassadors that will define a new Nigeria, enrich the beauty of the Nigerian Woman and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women," is what we live by!!

We smile every time we get an email from former delegates on their new initiatives and achievements.. We smile every time the Miss Nigeria America 2004, 2006 and 2007 email us with new things they want to accomplish. When we feel overwhelmed, it is these emails that uplift us. So in retrospect, we say: Thank you all for supporting us, thank you for taking the extra step in helping the less fortunate, thank you for your commitment to mankind and a big thank you for believing in us. You do us proud and we commend you.

Below is a partial list of our winners and delegates who continue to make us proud:

Winners
Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007 - Project Whole with [Arrows of God Orphanage, Lagos Nigeria]
Leslie Ibeanusi - Miss Nigeria in America 2004/2005 - Making Noise, Inc.www.livethenoise.org

Delegates
Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007 - Selected delegate to UN to meet up with representatives from some of the most undeveloped countries in Africa, which include Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Gambia, Togo, & Senegal, and will spearhead her platform which creates awareness for Autism in Nigeria.
Eunice Omole - Miss Abia 2007 -The Apprentice Africa
www.theapprenticeafrica.com/c_eunice.php
Chioma Dike - Miss Bauchi 2007 CEO/Founder CDEMM - An Arts and Diplomacy Group
Yvonne Orji - Miss Taraba 2006 - Successful Comedian www.myspace.com/yvonneorji
Mfonobong Essiet - Miss Abia 2004 - She is the current Miss Africa USA www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Peace Udechukwu - Miss Oyo 2004/Ruby Udeh - Miss Osun 2004/
Amara Udeh- Miss Yobe 2004 - They own A.N.G.E.L.S
Assisting Nigerian Girls in Education, Leadership and Sisterhood
This is a non-profit organization striving to better educate young woman in Nigeria. We aim to promote and enhance the educational morale of woman by providing financial assistance and leadership skills.
Zainab Agoro - Miss Enugu 2004 Recording Artist www.myspace.com/mszaina

Like we mentioned, this is just a partial list. We will keep you informed of new initiatives that these delegates come up with.

Thank you once again for your support and watch out for great things from the Miss Nigeria in America Organization!

Kenneth Emeson/ChiChi Dike
MNIA, Inc.
Beverly Hills, CA
www.missnigeriainamerica.org

Monday, March 3, 2008

Keep Breathing - By Martha Nwosu -Miss Ekiti 2007

This month, we introduce Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007 who emerged the 1st Runner up in the 2007 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Martha writes inspirational poetry and her work will be featured continuosly on the blog. Read Martha's biography in her own words and enjoy her first poem - Keep Breathing

Born on May 15, 1987, second of twin girls having arrived six minutes later, I still share an equal leadership role as the oldest child in my family of six children. I currently attend St. John’s University in New York, New York where I am majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. In addition to studying the mind and society, I am an ardent lover of music from all diverse walks of life, a leader in many others, and a staunch advocate for children with special needs. I am a people’s person, skillful and multi- talented. I am also gifted with a strong call to acceptance and loyalty along with a sense of renewal of reaching out to others for peaceful co-existence and restoring or furthering unification. I am currently part of four multi-cultural organizations at my university, two of which I hold executive positions.
As a member of Pan- African Caribbean Students Association (PACSA), I am the executive secretary and I maintain membership in the Latin American Students Organization (L.A.S.O.). I hosted a fashion show called, “Fashions Around the World” in November 2006. Although I held the title of event coordinator, my strength was expanded with my fellow leaders on the executive board as we worked side by side. I was blessed to perform at numerous campus events with the Magnificat Gospel Choir of the Staten Island Campus of St. Johns University, which included the Opening year Mass, The Women’s History Month Dedication mass, and I was chosen to perform the National Anthem at the 2007 Commencement Ceremony at St. John’s University Staten Island Campus. In addition to my vocal talents, I also tutored young children at a halfway house under an organization called Project Hospitality on Thursdays from October to December 2006.
As an advocate for children with special needs, I dedicate my mind to thoughts on how to make the world a better place, starting with my country Nigeria. Now as I see it, there is a curiosity and a level of interest on the part of a lot of people who are my age to make a difference in our country, Nigeria. I stand strong and tall today with a positive disposition toward the cause of children with special needs. The blessing of a tight-knit family has provided me with a strong support network enabling me to focus on advocating for their rights-equality of opportunity for children with and without disabilities with strong emphasis on advancing the cause of children with special needs. My dedication and perseverance are my major motivators for goals I aspire to reach personally and socially.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us”. Of course, in order for the quote to fully manifest itself within my life, I would need to find myself. I know who I am; a voice for the voiceless. For me this would become the most rewarding task I would ever encounter. In the early stages my life, I chose to take the back seat while my twin sister took the spotlight. As years went on, I began to evolve with my own identity, which would later establish an equally balanced bond between my sister and me. Now I am a young lady growing into a beautiful woman, I am allowing my identity and achievements as a twin to expand and evolve into a foundation for my strength, grace, and beauty.

Keep Breathing by Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007

Inhale, exhale
Take in, let out
A breath of fresh air that has been trapped in your lungs for the longest time
Passage ways freely flowing with pain and guilt and aguish all at once
Still balanced by freedom and happiness and pride of knowing
That YOU did it
You spoke up for yourself
You stood strong for who you are
Because you love
Love a lot
Love to little
Love a bit more
Love just enough
To say NO
Not this time
Not again
Not back here where we always are and end up being
I want more
I want a life of no repetition
A life free of sameness and indifference
A life with you who I know and appreciate
A life with us
A life with love and patience and kindness and truth
All wrapped in with the calmness in Knowing we did it
We grew past our problems and issues
Nothing can break us now
Because we tried something different and we love it
I love it
I love me for finding that strength in myself to be aware of what i need to do
I had to do it
I needed to do it
I must do it
Because in doing it
I am breathing
I can breathe
I keep breathing and in that I am Living
I am speaking
I am growing
I am Me
I am WHAT I am
Who I am
So for all these reasons, I keep breathing
Inhale & Exhale

By Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007

Monday, February 11, 2008

MNIA Feed the Homeless Part II

MNIA Feed the Homeless- Part II is the 2nd phase of our new initiative that supports and extends hope and love to homeless shelters accross the United States of America. We plan on making this one of our new programs as this supports our new mission and objective of "Service and Commitment to our community."

Thus we, 'MNIA, Inc.' will align ourselves with People Assisting the Homeless [PATH] in Los Angeles, CA to help bring hope and spread love to the residents at these homes. On November 22, 2007 [Thanksgiving Day], MNIA, Inc., Peace Amadi - 2007 Miss Nigeria in America as well as friends and supporters of MNIA raised funds, cooked dinner and served the residents of PATH Westside Center. This was the most humbling experience for all of us.

See Pictures

MNIA will raise funds again to support this cause and will cook a special Easter Dinner on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the PATH Regional Homeless Shelter at 340 N. Madison Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004. We are also raising funds to donate to thier wish list of the following:
1. Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum
2. Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
3. Silver Ware
4. Dinner Plates
5. Cutting Boards
6. Toys for the kids
7. Serving Aprons to mention a few

We will need your support to raise money to purchase these items as well as food supplies to cook and bring love to the residents.
Miss Nigeria in America 2007 - Peace Amadi will be there also to speak to the residents to lift thier spirits and to spread love. To help raise the necessary funds for this cause, CLICK HERE We are asking for a $5.00 donation from everyone and we hope to get the much needed funds to help PATH attain thier goals and objectives. For more information about PATH please log on to www.epath.org
Thank you for all your love and support
ChiChi Dike
Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.