When Esther Thompson enrolled in the Legendary Queen Nigeria pageant, little did she know that she would end up on the podium, but she did, finishing first runner-up in the event held in December 2024.
Esther told ChinaAcheru.com that this would be her first time registering for a beauty pageant and she had her reasons for it.
“I wanted to challenge myself, develop my confidence and improve my public speaking skills.
“I also wanted to be part of a movement that empowers young women.”
Despite the gruelling schedule, she revealed that her mind was made up to succeed in this.
“The preparation was demanding. I attended training sessions, rehearsals, and photo shoots. I also had wardrobe preparations
“The challenges I faced included time management, pressure to perform and self-doubt.”
The mental toughness
But it was not all fun and games as the preparations were top-notch. According to her, she was hardly prepared as it got close to the final day for the contestants to be in camp.
“I felt like I would not fit in as I did not have the complete requirements for the camp.
“I learned to manage stress, develop resilience and build self-confidence. The overall experience too was transformative and I grew as a person,” she revealed.
Family support
But when times looked bleak, Esther Thompson looked up to her family for support and encouragement. Living without a father, she had always looked up to her mum when things got dark for her and would not fail to commend her mother in her moment of success.
“My family, especially my mum were my support pillars. My mother supported me financially and emotionally. Her prayers gave me hope that she believed in me.
“There is also my mentor, Benedicta Esitime Joseph a one-time Miss NAAKIS (National Association Of Akwa Ibom State Students) Uniport chapter who kept on encouraging me and tutoring me on the basics of pageantry. These are my heroes.
Women empowerment is next
Now, she is a queen, Esther Thompson told ChinaAcheru.com that her next plan, which is part of her project for the year is to use her platform to encourage women to achieve their goals.
“I plan to assist women in any way as possible and also with the help of sponsors, partners and supporters.
“You can be whatever you choose to be. And yes, challenges will come, and discouragements will emerge but believe in yourself, leave your comfort zone and you’ll see great outcomes.
“This is my message to the women folk, moving forward.”
The legendary Queen Nigeria Pageant was aimed to promote self-confidence and empowerment among young women while raising awareness about social and environmental issues. In all the pageant successfully promoted a positive message about inner beauty, self-expression and community service.
Esther Thompson is a 4th-year Crop and Soil Science student at the University of Port Harcourt
