It was a moment of glory for the pretty, young Nigerian lady. The venue was the city of Miami in the United States. The occasion was the friendly match between the Nigerian Super Eagles and Venezuela. Miss Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje was accorded the honour of walking on the field with the Nigerian football stars. This was in recognition of her status as the current Miss Nigeria – Florida for the year 2012. Shortly before that, Ayoyemi had featured in the Soi Women’s Empowerment Gala as one of the many roles she is called upon to play as Florida- Nigeria’s reigning beauty queen. But any opportunity to identify with Nigeria means so much to Ayoyemi who moved to Florida at the age of 11 on May 17, 2003 and mingling with the Super Eagles players still excites her.
Stressing her patriotic fervour, Ayoyemi says: “I am extremely proud to be a Nigerian. I can’t stress it enough. I love my country, my Yoruba culture, my language, my Iyan (pounded yam) and efo (vegetables), my iro and buba, my braids, whether in suku, patewo, all back or just plaits. I’m proud to be a Nigerian because it distinguishes me from all others around me. I think Nigeria is a very fruitful country that can do better with a better government with sacrificial leaders that are ready to serve selflessly.”
But why did she decide to participate in the Miss Nigeria Florida 2012 contest and what was the experience like? “I decided to contest because a school mate and friend of mine persuaded me to. I also felt well, why not? What do I have to lose and I love my culture so sure. The contest was quite keen, considering I was running against six other pretty and talented Nigerian/American young ladies. It was also important because this specific pageant was the most publicised in Florida. About 1000 people showed up for it. To qualify, you had to be 18 years but not older than 30 years of age, not currently married and never been married and no children as well. You also had to be a permanent resident or citizen of the United States residing in Florida. You had to be in a clear standing with the United States concerning immigration as well as having no criminal record. My predecessor was a 23-year old Nigerian lady named Adekemi Akinwole. She is currently a college student at the University of Miami.”
Ayoyemi has a passion for caring for those who hurt and helping those in need of physical or emotional healing. This is why she is very serious and passionate in her current pursuit of nursing as a career. “I actually just got accepted into a nursing college university called Azure College of Nursing here in Miami, Florida, which I started attending on the 15th of October”, she says. “I am currently working on receiving my second degree, Associates in Sciences and Nursing as a Registered Nurse. I will be graduating next year November. I plan on moving to California to start working as a registered nurse, as well as furthering my studies in nursing like getting a Bachelor’s degree”.
But then, Ayoyemi has bigger dreams beyond nursing. Her hobbies include singing, performing, acting, dancing and cooking. Thus, she says “My purpose in life is to be great and touch lives with my greatness. To perform and sing music that will change people’s lives, touch their souls and move their feet. I also believe that I was made to serve God and let everyone know of his greatness. I intend on pursuing my music and acting career especially with Nollywood.”
Who are Ayoyemi’s motivators and role models? “I admire my stepfather, Otunba Funsho Ajayi, a former Major in the Nigerian Army. He’s a very hard working man. I also admire my mum, Olori Yinka Ajayi, she’s the life of the party. She has proved that you’re never too old to enjoy life and have fun. Genevieve Nnaji I will also say I admire. She worked her way up to where she is now doing what she loves, acting, despite all odds.”
Ayoyemi’s attitude to America is mixed: “I dislike the racism aspect of America, sometimes the darker coloured people like us Africans might be treated differently due to our skin colour. I like the fact that everyone has equal opportunity though and if you set out to be great in the US, the country makes it a little easier for you to accomplishing that greatness”. And what about the Nigerians in Florida? “Nigerians are actually welcomed and accepted well by the non-Nigerian Floridians here. Unfortunately, the Nigerians that live in Florida are not too supportive of each other; it almost seems like a competition sometimes. Some stick to themselves, some don’t come out much while others are simply kind.”
The beauty queen attends Jesus the Christ Church where her father, Reverend Dr. Yemi Ajimatanrareje, is the pastor. She is indeed the Praise team leader and music director of the church. But how does Ayoyemi reconcile her spiritual values with the rather glamorous and worldly lifestyle associated with being a beauty queen? She calmly but forcefully affirms her values: “Being a beauty queen doesn’t at all conflict with my serving in the church. This is because I know who I am as a child of God and that is what I use to gauge my activities and attires as a beauty queen. If it doesn’t please God, I’m neither wearing it nor doing it. That’s just my motto. I mean as a young adult, there will be temptations and things that glitter and catch my attention but I also know the daughter of whom I am so certain things don’t deserve second thoughts. I want to be seen in a specific light and that doesn’t include drinking, partying or being in relationships with different men. I’m not trying to say I’m perfect but yes, I’m trying very hard to live a life that fulfils me and neither brings shame to God nor my parents”.