Miss Adeleke Dammy is contestant no 003 representing Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in the ongoing Face of Maritime International (FOMI). Dammy as she’s fondly called earlier won the Photo Challenge which the FOMI organisers said was an integral part of the Audition aimed at creating awareness for the contestants’ participation in the pageantry, while also guaging public opinion about their personalities.
In this media chat with PLATFORM REPORTERS, the Oyo state indigene who also came second in Week One Voting Campaign said she doesn’t accept to play second fiddle, and would work harder to occupy the first spot at the end of week two Voting Campaign. She also advised her fellow contestants on what to do to remain motivated and keep going in the competition. Enjoy the interview. Excerpts:
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Let’s meet you?
DAMMY: My name is Adeleke Dammy. I am an indigene of Oja Timi, Ede LGA in Osun state South west Nigeria. I am 25 years old.
I had my secondary school education at Bishop Onabanjo High School, Ibadan. I like listening to music because it gives me inspiration and positive energy. I am 5.7″ feet tall, chocolate in complexion and my hobbies are dancing and acting.
I am contestant No 003 in the ongoing maritime industry pageantry, Face Of Maritime International (FOMI) 2024.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: What motivated you to register in FOMI Season 9?
DAMMY: I registered to be part of this prestigious pageantry because I believe I am beautiful, smart and intelligent and I have what it takes to win it .
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Which maritime organisation are you reprenting and why did you chose to rep that particular organisation?
DAMMY: I am representing the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) which is a trade union that represents sailors, dockworkers, water transporters, shipping and other related port workers in Nigeria.
My love for the union and my desire to share in it’s vision of protecting, defending and promoting the welfare of workers within the maritime sector motivated me to choose (MWUN) as the organization I want to represent in FOMI 2024.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: How was the Online Audition for you. I mean the Audition Talks, the Casting and the rest. What was the experience like for you?
DAMMY: Like seriously, it was not easy being my first time talking in an audition. I was a bit shy but during the “Introduction To Maritime” talk by Drs Taiwo and Kehinde Oshigbo, I got motivated.
Then when Mrs Sarah Roberts talked about the “Role of Pageantry In Self Development of Young Ladies”, it made me grow my self awareness, abilities, talents, and skills in order to improve my quality of life.
The motivating part of it was when Mrs Olotu Funmilayo talked about “Giving Your Beauty A Meaning”. By believing in myself and to remember that i am worth it. I really learnt a lot from Mrs Olotu Funmilyayo.
Talking about the casting, when it was my turn to speak, I was nervous but I tried to answer all the questions I was asked.
Profile picture of Miss MWUN, Adeleka Dammy
PLATFORM REPORTERS: We learnt you won #10,000 at the Audition. Tell us more about it. How did it happen?
DAMMY: Well, it was awesome. I never saw it coming as I didn’t believe I would win #10,000 at the first audition. First, I win #5,000 from Mrs Olotu Funmilayo and that was because I was punctual, being the first contestant to connect online for the audition.
One thing about me is that I like working with time because I believe time is money. Secondly, when I am passionate about something, I don’t joke with it especially if it’s about my career.
Then the second #5,000 by Mrs Sarah was for being bold to speak at the audition. Actually, I am a shy type, but to give respect to our elders and to let them know that all the talks, encouragement and advice they gave us were all clear and noted, I have to muster courage to speak and express my gratitude to them all for their beautiful speeches.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: How did you feel winning the Audition Photo Challenge?
DAMMY: Winning the audition photo challenge was a great and satisfying experience for me. I felt emotions of joy, peace, contentment, felicity and a sense of achievements.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: You came Second in Week One Voting Campaign as ROSELYN edged you out with some fine margins. How do you feel when you saw the result?
DAMMY: It was not easy but with God by my side, it was possible for me to come second. Actually, I was so happy when I saw the results but I promise to still put in more effort because I don’t accept defeat.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Do you plan to go out of your way to take the lead in this Week Two or you just want to maintain your second position going forward?
DAMMY: In this week two, I will put in more efforts and make sure my vote goes more high so I can take the lead not second but first position by God’s Grace.
Voting Graphic of Miss Dammy Adeleke
PLATFORM REPORTERS: What’s your message to other contestants who didn’t do so well in either the Photo Challenge or Week One of the Voting Campaign?
DAMMY: My advice to my fellow contestant is this: First, they shold not give up. Second, life is all about risks so they have to keep trying untill life gives them what they want.
Thirdly, they should see the top five as a challenge not defeat and say if they could not win the first week they can win the second week.
Lastly, they should say ‘no retreat, no surrendering’. If they can say these and keep the fire burning in them, I’m very sure they will surely win.
PLATFORM REPORTERS: Finally, winning this pageant is like running a marathon because the tasks and activities are in stages. So how prepared are you to go all the way and how determined are you to win the crown in the long run?
DAMMY: The strength of my determination is what will move me towards my main goal, and by not giving up. Besides, I am coming to add value to the maritime sector through my pet project, if I win the crown.