Miss Ogeh Nancy Ene, widely known as Queen Nina, is advocating for greater recognition of the modeling industry’s potential in Africa. The rising pageant star and fashion model, speaking at a media event in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, called on governments to prioritize the sector by establishing professional training institutions. “In this part of the world, our government doesn’t place value on models, which is why we don’t even have a standard Modelling Academy,” she stated, highlighting the need for structured support to nurture talent.
The Need for Professional Training
Queen Nina emphasized that while modeling may appear straightforward, professional training is crucial for success in this competitive field. Lilliputian. “Setting up a standard Modelling Academy will help an upcoming model learn the ropes and acquire skills needed to become a successful and professional model,” she explained. Such academies, she argued, would equip aspiring models with essential skills, boosting their confidence and marketability. This could elevate African models on the global stage, where demand for diverse talent is growing.
As the CEO of The Nigerian Fashion and Culture Entertainment Agency, Queen Nina underscored the vocational nature of modeling. “Modelling can be a very highly paid profession, so you need to be equipped with the correct tools to succeed,” she noted. Her agency promotes beauty pageants, fashion, and cultural exhibitions, aiming to showcase Nigeria and Africa’s rich heritage while fostering professionalism in the industry.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
With a string of pageant titles, including Miss NACRISS, Miss Diaspora Nigeria, and Beauty of the World, Queen Nina shared her personal journey of breaking into the industry. She recounted facing exploitative practices, such as demands for inappropriate favors. “I had all it takes to be a Pageant Queen, so I stood my ground and won,” she said, encouraging aspiring models to define their boundaries and persevere. Her resilience led to success, inspiring others to navigate the industry’s challenges with integrity.
Queen Nina’s story highlights systemic issues, such as unethical demands on new models. She advocates for a culture of decency, as embodied by her initiatives like Mr and Miss Fashionable Nigeria International and Queen of Culture International, which aim to uplift talent ethically.
A Vision for African Modeling
At 25, Queen Nina is a multifaceted talent—makeup artist, scriptwriter, hairstylist, and costumier—dedicated to transforming the modeling landscape. Through her agency, she organizes events that celebrate African culture and fashion, promoting emerging models to the global stage. “Modelling is more than a quick pose or walk,” she said, emphasizing the need for skill development to compete in a crowded industry.
Her call to African leaders is clear: invest in modeling as a viable economic sector. By establishing standard academies and supporting cultural initiatives, governments can unlock opportunities for youth, boost tourism, and elevate Africa’s global fashion presence. Queen Nina’s vision is a clarion call for change, urging stakeholders to harness the industry’s potential for economic and cultural growth.
