Almost 20 years ago, I set out to host what I believed would be the biggest event in Nigeria, “Stars on the Runway”, a fashion show with a difference, scheduled for 07/07/07. The concept was simple but bold: 60 celebrities wearing unconventional designs by Nigerian fashion designers, with proceeds going to charity.
From the very beginning, I had a dream list of notable personalities I wanted to see grace the runway. It was an eclectic mix of movers and shakers from different fields. From Genevieve to Omotola, to the late Omoladun (Baba Suwe’s wife), Uncle Segun Odegbami, Barr. Eyimofe Atake, Ebuka, Denrele, and many more.
I was also a fan of beauty Queens, top of that list was Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu nee Onoh. Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Miss Africa, and Miss Intercontinental title holder, a lawyer, and the wife of Biafran leader Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The other queen I admired was a prominent ex–beauty queen from the South West and hoped she would be part of the project.
At the time, I was a 24-year-old presenter based in London, deeply passionate about giving back to Nigeria. With youthful boldness and zero hesitation, I decided to reach out to them myself.
Out of the blue, I called Madam Bianca.
To my amazement, she picked up.
Not only did she listen, she embraced the vision. She agreed to lend her name to the project and even offered to sponsor beauty products for our celebrity goody bags.
I was stunned. This was someone I had only seen in newspapers and magazines yet she met me with warmth, grace, and generosity.
Encouraged, I called the other beauty queen, hoping for a similar response.
Instead, I was met with hostility.
She snapped the moment she picked up: “Why are you calling me with a private number? When you’re not the President of Nigeria or something!”
Before I could explain that it was an honest mistake, she hung up.
I cried.
The weight of organizing such a massive event, the constant calls, the pressure of dealing with celebrity egos…it all came crashing down in that moment. I remember thinking, “Who sent me?”
By the time the event finally held on 07/07/07 after two embarrassing postponements due to insufficient sponsorship, Madam Bianca was unavailable. Yet, even in declining, she did so with remarkable grace and sincere apologies.
That stayed with me.
Over the years, I followed her journey closely. I watched her evolve, grow, and excel in the public space. When the world saw that now-famous moment where she defended herself with a slap. I won’t lie, I quietly applauded. Not because I choose violence, but in my eyes, “Achalugo” could do no wrong.
As for the other queen, we crossed paths again later in life. This time, she desperately needed me for a project, and we became cordial. I never mentioned our first encounter, but I never forgot it.
I understood the difference.
One was kind when she had nothing to gain.
The other was kind when she needed something.
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Madam Bianca for a documentary. During our conversation, I reminded her of that phone call from years ago.
She didn’t even remember.
But I did.
And in that moment, everything came full circle.
As she spoke during the interview, I saw excellence in its purest form. For nearly an hour, she answered every question with clarity, depth, and intelligence. No repetition, no hesitation. Facts, figures, and insight delivered effortlessly.
She held the entire room spellbound.
Beauty. Brains. Poise. Grace.
I couldn’t help but think God truly took HIS time with her. She is a display of divine craftsmanship, a reminder that when God creates, HE can choose to show off.
It became clear to me that her rise was not by association or connection, but by merit.
So when she was elevated to national leadership, it made perfect sense. She embodies the face of Nigeria, refined, intelligent, and dignified. A true ambassador. The pride of Igboland.
Today, she replied my congratulatory message. Not only did she respond warmly, she asked about my daughter and Stars on the Runway’s 20th anniversary.
That meant more than words can express.
God bless Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu. I pray that she and her generation will continually find favour wherever they go. Amen.
Under her leadership as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria will experience increased global respect, divine favour among nations, wisdom in diplomacy, and unprecedented opportunities for growth and unity. Amen.
Brethren, it is not easy to be beautiful, powerful, and humble at the same time. These three rarely coexist, it takes the grace of Almighty God.
And to you reading this, if pride is something you struggle with, turn to Jesus Christ. In HIM, there is transformation, humility, and love.
A TALE OF TWO QUEENS By Deborah Ronke Apampa
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