Iviero Jane is a pageant executive, brand strategist, and event manager, widely recognized for her role as the founder and president of the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization. Driven by a deep commitment to preserving the essence of true pageantry, she has devoted her career to championing women within Delta Queen, both locally and across the state. In this interview with Rita Oyiboka, she speaks about the ins and outs, ups and downs of the pageant world and how she had managed to remain relevant in it for nearly a decade.
Could you share with us the origin of the ‘Deltan Queen Pageant Organization’ and the motivations behind its establishment?
The idea of The Deltan Queen started in 2016, but its first edition was held in 2017. Having competed in two pageants previously, my experiences opened my eyes to the reality of the decadence in the pageant industry. In reality, winning was not dependent on your abilities or talents but on who you knew, how much you had, and how willing you were to pay your way to the crown. However, I knew I couldn’t effect change while sitting on the sidelines. Determined to make a difference, I founded my own pageant organization at the age of 17. My goal was to establish a brand known for its integrity and commitment to true pageantry values, serving as a beacon for positive change in the industry.
Founding anything at 17 and sustaining momentum for nearly a decade is no small feat. How have you managed to maintain such consistency and relevance in the industry?
It is a beautiful feeling to look back and see how far the organization has grown and the work it took to get here. Maintaining consistency and relevance over these years has mainly been the result of staying true to our cause. Progress comes with temptations, but never compromising our reputation and ethics has gotten us this far. We built a transparent pageant system over time where no winner has ever been publicized as undeserving. We’ve also painstakingly mentored queens who understand the values of good morals in society and their reflective effect on the brand’s image. Additionally, continuous learning and adaptation have been beneficial to our growth, and the pageant industry is constantly evolving, so to grow, we need to imbibe some trends. Reflecting on past events, we’ve embraced growth opportunities and refined our approach, consistently enhancing the quality associated with the Deltan Queen Pageant brand.
What notable success stories can you share from the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization project over the years?
The Deltan Queen Pageant Organization has seen remarkable success stories over the years. Mark Shalom, winner of the 2nd edition, has pursued a thriving career in TV presenting and acting after graduating from the Ebony Life Film School in Lagos. Our mentorship and support have propelled contestants to compete at various national pageants, opening doors to broader opportunities. Asaboro De Blessing, the 5th Deltan Queen top model award winner, immediately leveraged her success to compete in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, winning the prestigious Miss Photogenic Queen title and earning a cash prize of 1 million Naira, along with numerous other accolades that have thrust her into the spotlight. These success stories reflect the transformative impact of the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering young women.
Have any contestants from your organization successfully transitioned to national or international platforms, and if so, could you highlight some of their achievements?
Certainly! Several Deltan Queens have made remarkable transitions to national pageants and achieved significant milestones. For example, the 2nd Deltan Queen competed in the Miss Ideal Nigeria pageant and became the third runner-up, earning the title of Miss Ideal Nigeria Southern Queen. The 4th Deltan Queen also participated in the 10th Miss Ideal Nigeria pageant and emerged as the first runner-up. Additionally, the 4th Top Model winner became a runner-up at the Face of Nigeria pageant. Furthermore, the 5th top model won the Miss Photogenic award at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 2022. Moreover, the 4th Deltan Queen, Romaine Tracy Uzoamaka, is currently a contender for the 45th Miss Nigeria title. These achievements showcase the caliber of talent nurtured by the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization.
Can you walk us through your journey into event planning and how this career path has provided a platform to showcase the beauty and talent of Delta women?
I started my journey in event planning with the first edition of the Deltan Queen Pageant in Abraka, Delta State, in 2017. We had 19 contestants, which was the highest number for any pageant in Delta State at that time. This showed we were on the right path. Over the past six years, we have held events in major cities in Delta State, including Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, and Abraka. Our latest event was on September 30th, 2023, at the Fiesta Dome in Ughelli. Â
Over the years, we’ve had contestants from all parts of Delta State, young women who needed a genuine platform to showcase their talents and the beauty of their respective cultures, women who needed just a little motivation to push beyond the boundaries of their personal restrictions, and through our platform, we have been able to highlight their unique qualities and strengths by giving them the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Â
The pageant includes talent shows, advocacy presentations, and cultural displays. These segments allow contestants to show their skills, passions, and heritage. This well-rounded approach helps us celebrate not just beauty but the capabilities and knowledge of our contestants.
In short, my career in event planning has been about passion, learning, and dedication. It has allowed me to create, celebrate, and empower young women. We help them pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
There’s often debate about the superficiality of beauty pageants, how do you believe beauty pageants truly empowers women beyond physical appearance?
While it is true that pageants sometimes primarily focus on physical appearance, they also offer many opportunities for women to grow in other ways. Participants gain confidence, learn public speaking skills, and improve their communication abilities. They also receive mentorship and can champion social causes, leading projects that raise awareness and make a positive impact on society. This helps them build a stronger personal image and make meaningful contributions beyond just their looks.
Given the unfortunate prevalence of exploitation and abuse within the industry, what measures does your organization have in place to safeguard the well-being of contestants?
Our organization is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all our contestants. We have several measures in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
We conduct thorough background checks on all staff, judges, and volunteers involved in our events. Additionally, we have an all-female team and Jury, which helps prevent any possibility of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Secondly, we have a clear code of conduct that outlines acceptable behavior and the consequences of any misconduct. Everyone involved, including participants, staff, and associates, must follow these rules.
We also hold regular feedback sessions and maintain an open line of communication between contestants and the President of the pageant organization. This allows concerns and suggestions to be addressed directly.
By implementing these measures, we strive to create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all our contestants, with their well-being as our top priority.
In what ways has your work with the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization inspired women to pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to their communities?
Working with the Deltan Queen Pageant Organization has been incredibly rewarding because of its positive impact on women and their communities. My goal is to foster resilience and ambition by promoting the idea that if I can succeed, then they can too.
The Pageant Organization has inspired women by encouraging advocacy and community service. We encourage collaborations on projects and support each other’s endeavors, creating a ripple effect of positive change. As a requirement, Contestants choose social causes they care about, gaining skills to lead community projects. Additionally, we celebrate diversity and size inclusion, inspiring women to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams.
Who are some women that you admire and draw inspiration from in your professional journey, and what qualities do they possess that resonate with you?
There are several outstanding women who have inspired me greatly. One of which is Agbani Darego, the first black African to win Miss World in 2001. Her groundbreaking achievement put Nigeria on the global pageant map and inspired countless young women across the continent. Agbani’s poise, determination, and ability to break barriers resonates with me. Her success story reminds me of the power of perseverance, which as a woman has taught me to push radically.
There’s also Tara Fela-Durotoye, the founder of House of Tara International. As a pioneer in the Nigerian makeup industry, Tara has built a successful business that empowers women through beauty. Her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approach, and commitment to mentoring young women in business are qualities I admire. Tara’s story is a testament to the power of vision and hard work in building an enduring legacy.
Looking ahead, do you have any plans or initiatives in store for the future of your organization that you’d like to share with us?
We have several exciting plans and initiatives in store for the future of our organization. One of the key initiatives is the launch of The Delsuite Queen Pageant, an offshoot of the Deltan Queen competition, which will focus solely on students of Delta State University. This will provide a unique platform for university students to showcase their talents and leadership qualities.
Additionally, we are in the process of securing international franchises to enable our winners to compete directly on notable international platforms. This will not only elevate the prestige of our pageant but also provide our queens with global exposure and opportunities.
Furthermore, we are committed to expanding our humanitarian projects through the Queen’s office. These initiatives will focus on various social issues, including education, health, and community development, ensuring that our queens can make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
