Saturday Morning motivation - sharing my beauty pageant story! :-) | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Saturday 10 December 2016

Saturday Morning motivation - sharing my beauty pageant story! :-)

These are photos of me at a beach party organized for contestants of the 2003 Miss Nigeria pageant. I bet some of you didn't know I once contested? I told y'all I was a hustler back in the day..lol. Anyway, I desperately wanted to win the pageant because I believed I could use the platform to achieve my other dreams. I imagined all the possibilities, starting an NGO, having a TV show, rubbing shoulders with important people etc. I was a little famous back then as a model and when word got out that I was contesting, many of the soft sell magazines reported it.

About a week before the pageant, I was so sure I would win it that I started making plans for life after being crowned Miss Nigeria 2003. Most of the models and designers in Nigeria were behind me, even the press, so what could go wrong? Plus I'd organized the Miss Unilag pageant for 3 consecutive years so I knew what it took to win a pageant..or so I thought!

And then the day of the pageant came. After all the 26 contestants were introduced on stage in different costumes, it was time for the Top 10. We were all asked to go backstage so they could call out the 10 girls who had advanced to the next stage. I remember standing backstage with a huge smile on my face waiting for my number to be called. It was never called. Continue...

At first I thought it was a prank, that the organisers were just playing with me. That they would say a mistake was made and my number was omitted, and ask me to come join the other girls on stage. Then I heard the MC say 'ladies and gentlemen, these are your Top 10 contestants'. Then I saw all the other contestants who didn't make it taking off their jewelries and costumes. Some started crying, others were hugging each other but I didn't move. I couldn't believe it. Even if I didn't win the pageant, but not to even make Top 10? I was just standing there, unable to move...until a male model friend of mine came to hug me and told me 'all will be well'.

As I slowly started removing my costume, I remember thinking it was the end of everything I had planned for my future. I felt like a failure for weeks following the pageant. I was mostly in a daze, wondering what to do next. I'd thought being Miss Nigeria was the best thing that could happen to me. And that dream was gone, and with it, all the great things I could have done or become.

But you see people, I forgot for one moment, that there was God. If only I knew that He had better plans for my future. Because you see, if I had won that pageant in 2003, I never would have - 3 years later - thought of starting a gossip blog. I probably would have thought it was beneath me as a former queen. My life would have taken a different turn...but that wasn't God's plans for me. So that disappointment was a huge blessing!

You see, sometimes, some of the most amazing blessings happen when things don't turn out the way we hoped it would. We think it's the end when it's just a bend leading us through the right path, to where we are really meant to be. You have to trust that God knows what He's doing in your life. Sometimes, He will not give you what you desperately want because He has planned something way better for you.

So when disappointments happen in your life, don't worry too much about it. Just trust God, stay patient and trust your journey.

All the best!
Linda

130 comments:

obiora said...

Linda be like antelope wey python vomit.lol. Linda be hustling from day one...look at her now...role model to millions all over the world. We love you lily!

Unknown said...

Ur life is a blessing I swear

Unknown said...

Nice.... It's really inspirational... Thanks aunty Linda..... Winnysblog.com

Oghenetega said...

Linda Ikeji the Motivational speaker to Badt... This is inspiring dear.
Its all boil down to if U Fail once U better dust urself up & try again & again. . Thanks Mama

Anonymous said...

I thank God for this motivation. Am at a corner of my life where it seems things ain't going the way I planned.But I trust God and his directions.

Unknown said...

Aww Dame Linda ikeji the great teacher,motivator, and adviser Sky is ur starting point. Thank u for this great morning motivating story. HOpe THAT LINDA'S ENEMIES ARE READING THIS HUH? THE FOOLS THAT THINK THAT LINDA AWOKE UP IN THE MORNING TO MEET SUCCESS OR USE HER BODY FOR MONEY HOPE UNA DEY SEE AM HUH? Linda carry go my dear keep doing the good work like freeborn. UR LIS WILL BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORD NEXT YEAR KEEP IT UP ON BEHALF OF NIGER DELTA,CHRISTIANS,IBOS AND JEWS WE SAY WE LOVE U keep it up as for ur enemies and freeborn enemies should go to hell an sucK LUCIFER'S DIRTY DICK.






















#sad indeed

Eddy Ogbunambala said...

Linda thank you for this

Seun ogayemi said...

God bless u Linda for this post this is just encouraging , few days go I was freed something did not think much to it turned it down I look back now disappointed that maybe I should have but I know God is turning things around for my good won't dwell on the fact that I did not get what I want but I will trust God

Oghenetega said...

Hahahahaha.. Ur Mouth bad abeg leave my Linlin alone...
Whi can try her now.? She's the King of Queens herself.. Mwah

Unknown said...

Now this is a story! Realistic and Highly relatable! You wonder why soo many things aren't working according to your plans, if your life is ended , no hope again... But then , the future holds so many plans! Absolutely inspiring

Kayode Odusanya said...

Linda, reading your stories, I get a feeling you kinda always used the law of attraction all your life without knowing.



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MyPersonalOpinion said...

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kunta said...

And my Love for you grows daily, Inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this words

APPLE said...

Nice one Linda. But I noticed that your boobs are small in that pic. compared to now, I suspect you did something :)

Unknown said...

Very touching and encouraging. You're a living testimony Linda, God continue to bless and uplift you.

Ella chandelli said...

Yeah...God always has something up his sleeves. His ways are different from ours.thank you aunty Linda for posting this....you really don't know what you resurrected in me. 👌👍💪superwoman!

Unknown said...

Linda ikeji, you indeed a role model to d youth of this generation. You are just starting. Your joy will be complete. Love u

Anonymous said...

@ OBIORA, stop hating her for been such a success, coz you cant stop her, now let me school you a bit. the more you hate her, the more her account gets fattened. so come! make her richer.
alvin.ahemba@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Awww... Inspirations.Com keep inspiring us babe, Bravo 👏 👏 😘

hustle 2 get married no be here.. said...

God bless your hustle Nne! When people attack you they will never attract.i pray for such speed in jesus name amen.

ehisokhai@yahoo.com said...

Words of wisdom. This words sank deep..thank u linda

Unknown said...

Awww... From grass to grace, all thanks to God almighty and your selfless diligence, Bravo Lin 👏 👏 😘 #Inspirations

Anonymous said...

Ashawo wey use a whole village do rituals! #TimeWillTell

Unknown said...

Thank God you shared these pictures in case someone wants to yab you with them in the future, we'll know its stale AF but you looked ridiculous though... Lol! Nice write up! God has plans for us all

Anonymous said...

I'm delighted to read beautiful testimony.
I'm so proud of you.
God bless you.

Unknown said...

This is all i need for now, the motivation, i recently lost my job and its so devastating and depressing, well that will give me the oppurtunity to focus more on my music. All i just pray is God's grace, mercy and oppurtunity because is the only one i believe in.

Unknown said...

Linda, God bless you. This ur write up really motivated me.

geneafah said...

Woooooow, this is lovely... Got inspired... Tnx linda

Unknown said...

Guy you're the badst!! Failing doesn't mean you're a loser...getting up when u fail is what makes great individuals. #quiteinspiring

Unknown said...

Amazing transformation. Thank God you didn't win then,every disappointment is a blessing#










Lib addict#just passing#

Ladun Liadi said...

Where did the abs go?

Unknown said...

Awesome story right there. I'm inspired. God bless u.

johnsung said...

I just love ur hustling spirit ur are an inspiration to young hustlers. God will continue to bless you

Anonymous said...

Linda your mungo park don fall flat here oo.guess the breasts were battered

Optimist said...

wow, ur hustle finally paid.

baba said...

Make una leave my aunty linda o
But u ...........
Godtakeover

Ademola said...

But now God has greatly blessed her immensely



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Unknown said...

Thanks sis Linda for raising up my motivation to another height. God bless u more. LINDA IKEJI FAN

Unknown said...

touching.. big inspiration

CHERYL (aka FROM GLORY to GLORY) said...

So inspiring. You always inspire me wth ur write ups and motivational videos Linda. God bless you. But on a lighter mode, you seriously looked anorexic in those photos, chai! Guess u can see from the pics why u couldn't make top 10, hehehe

Loveth Cynthia Loveth said...



wow, nice one Linda Ikeji,




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Joyous babe,Linda ikeji first cousin said...

Awww! My beautiful big sis has been a hustler for a very long time, may God continue to bless ur hustle, I just love u. Choii !.

Emy said...

Linda Adanne, now i understand the chemistry btw u and onyx. No wonder!

Unknown said...

Inspiring

!yfydeevah said...

God is always great!

Daily diet tv said...

Inspiring

Anonymous said...

I need a matured man from 38 upwards that can afford 60k for a one off . In call is accepted too. Will be entering a new section in school I need to raise funds. As is difficult to get assistance If you dont have anything to give In return. Cheers Pls only a serious matured man I'm very attractive, plumpy, fleshy and 5ft 9 inches tall. Tessyamaka608@gmail.com

Lord dugbe said...

In to bowls of ice cream and chocolate fudge cake...her head was huge compared to her body

NaijaDeltaBabe said...

God is God overall


...merited happiness

Bishop Dammy said...

lindaikeji. So amazing u are.

Anonymous said...

Enter your comment...motivation...iyanumashele soonest

Unknown said...

Only a few wants to know your success story, while others are just there for results. Being poor you have to sweat and being successful you still have to sweat. But I'd rather sweat to become successful. It's hard but it's possible.

Mrs Sharon said...

Congrats

Chizzy Liz said...

***************************okwa ka iwee na afu******I can only imagine d look on ur face dat night*********iru gi ga adi ka nsi agbara catapult

Mrs Sharon said...

Lols,am beginning to love u,freeborn

Anonymous said...

U are beautiful

emmanuel uhegbu said...

Its never too late or early to pursue sucess, get motivated, get inspired, get successful.

Thanks for sharing.


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Anonymous said...

Looks like her bff onyx Godwin

Unknown said...

Congrats nne. I love dat

PrettyChi said...

My mentor.......u always inspired me with ur courageous words

Blessing said...


We give God the Glory for his blessing in your life
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Iloka Valentine said...

Anty Linda I'm so much touched by your experience. I'm currently in the same situation as you were, having being in doubts for so long ,right now I'm strengthened. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. #allwillbewell

Anonymous said...

U just gave me hope that things can always get better.

Unknown said...

Hmmmn. WORD!

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SM said...

Thanks alot for sharing your story, i have been down for a while now, but reading this put a smile on my face and also wait for Gods time because He has plans for me..

Anonymous said...

lol epic !

Bisola said...

I love reading motivational stories. God is always working behind the scenes for us.

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Unknown said...

You really inspire me...i'm going to tell my story one day too

OBI LoVe said...

I used to pray that God will give me a sister like u .... but now I pray for a wife and daughter like U.... God will bless u...and continue to bless u.. Love u loads

Unknown said...

Linda tnx for sharing, u av really giving me hope

Anonymous said...

Enter your comment...very touchy.

Pharm Emordi said...

This one really got to me thank u Linda for sharing this story God bless......really inspired�� n also my first comment on a blog

Anonymous said...

The Linda Ikeji most people know before now is the one in this your story. The brave Linda that fought all odds to make it. And this is why many people love you and like to support you. You really don't know the millions you have inspired today by your story. If you decide to write a book on this your story millions will rush over themselves to buy your book at any price. With due respect please don't let your friendship with some people using you to promote their uninspiring and lackluster book destroy and tarnish the true Linda behind your story. Its not easy climbing the ladder of success but very easy to descend it.

Hessaawards2019.com said...

Life na turn by turn! Kudos!

Na me talk am!

Long Live Lib!!!

Unknown said...

God is God no matter what, I have learnt to trust him in things because he has no rival anf there is none beside him. The same God who did it for you is still on the throne.

ifeoma john said...

this is great testimony

Anonymous said...

Its touching and educative. a big mral lesson Thank you Mama Linda

Unknown said...

Interesting its really Great God's Time is the best

Katumu Adasi said...

Nice One

Modelsgistafrica said...

And today I am sure you are higher than some of those Judges and the then Miss Nigeria.....this is so much inspiring, indeed there are ways that seemeth right to men buh its end is destruction....nice piece, more pls!!

Unknown said...

U really look lovely aunty Linda. U are my biggest inspiration and my role model. Keep inspiring us. I heart u so much.

Unknown said...

You were skinny

ONYI P.K. said...

My dear Linda, For me, this is the most inspiring post I have ever read from you. It showed maturity (M); it showed acknowledgement (A); it showed divinity (D). Simply put, it translates that the devil can always want to be MAD at you but all you need to do at such point in time is to grow up and above the situation (maturity); accepting things you obviously and humanly cannot change (acknowledgement); allowing wisdom and serenity of mind to know the difference (divinity). I tell people that the western world knows the bible deep down because every of their secular expression is derived from the scriptures. Linda, in your narrative like in any other person's, the western world will say, you cannot be faster than your shadow. In other words, God is your programmer or if you like, your porter. He knows how, what and WHEN (emphasis here is on time)to use you. To that extent Linda, I salute your courage, resilience and unshakable faith. It surely pays handsomely at the appointed time. Here, we are just talking about 13 years of unprecedented transformation. Some come longer or even much more. I am a case in progress even though I am very much older than you but it is a matter of knowing where you are headed and not where people want you to be heading. It's indeed a Saturday motivational start. Cheers!

Unknown said...

Wow,aw mani situps u do fr ds shape. Cant bliv u were ds skinny wch slim tea dint do nor teatox. Such an amazin transfrmation,linda. Thnk God fr ur testimony,God's grace always sufficient.

Anonymous said...

Its so inspiring.

Unknown said...

wow oooo! Liliana God bless you for ds wonderful testimony. This coming from you today is a confirmation that God heard d prayer I made today in Shiloh 2016 that ended today. I used u as a point of contact & see God speaking through you now. God bless u darling, u ain't seen nothing yet, God is taking u to places & I'm coming. You don't know how ur stories have been changing lives like mine. Kudos Nnem oma

Anonymous said...

Pls give us news. Do you think people are really interested in your personal life linda?

Anonymous said...

Linda you really inspired me with this write up.you just made me to believe that what is ahead of me is better than what I had. Iam a young man of 40 years old.my place of business was demolished 4 years back & since then life has been hell. I saw it as hell in the sense that my woman whom I expected to stand beside me turned against me with disregard disrespect disobedience and above all hate.but I still believe God that what is in front better than all I have lost. My only I'll feelings is just that I lost my wife whom I love & cherish so much. It pains my heart when i want to engage my wife in husband and wife discussions she either snub me or talk to me in a manner that I will shut up. We have 5 lovely children 4 boys and a girl

Anonymous said...

Wow!so inspiring.=Songjazzy

Anonymous said...

You are not complete yet so please stop all this motivation this and that and humble yourself so God can complete you. Anyone can make money my dear

Anonymous said...

Linda you really inspired me with this write up.you just made me to believe that what is ahead of me is better than what I had. Iam a young man of 40 years old.my place of business was demolished 4 years back & since then life has been hell. I saw it as hell in the sense that my woman whom I expected to stand beside me turned against me with disregard disrespect disobedience and above all hate.but I still believe God that what is in front better than all I have lost. My only I'll feelings is just that I lost my wife whom I love & cherish so much. It pains my heart when i want to engage my wife in husband and wife discussions she either snub me or talk to me in a manner that I will shut up. We have 5 lovely children 4 boys and a girl

Unknown said...

Food for thought!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Linda!

Anonymous said...

Inspiring story. However you r not beauty queen material. Truth b told you are good looking but not very beautiful to win a pageant do am wondering how on earth u tot u wud win. I think It Nwando that won't Dt year am nt so sure...

Walata said...

Linda u look like okporoko fish with a small boobs just like what APPLE Said lol I suspect u too, did u inject silicone?

Anonymous said...

You have no idea what this means to me at the mo... thanks for sharing that

Charlie said...

Inspirational. Please keep this up.God bless you for this message.

Charlie said...

Inspirational. Please keep this up.God bless you for this message.

bobchuka said...

D.j pls play me "no body way no fit to make am" by patoranking

Unknown said...

This message just came to me at a very appropriate time... I guess God used you to touch my heart and bless me today... God bless u you..and many more testimonies wld be heard in your household... thanks Lin

Unknown said...

Thank you sweet Linda for this wonderful post, thank God you did not feel like a failure for too long and went ahead testing new waters, your still a queen dear

chosengospel said...

Good one, your story attracted me to me. Ride on girl, everything will fall in place for you at the right time.

Naija babe said...

Mumu, that was 13 years ago. Are you the same as you were 13 years ago?

Unknown said...

You're an epitome of inspiration

Anonymous said...

I'm motivated by Linda Ikeji's drive. It's better to try many things till you get the right one that clicks, than being lazy and doing nothing.

Anonymous said...

Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing Linda, I have learnt something special today. I MUST keep moving, no matter what.

Anonymous said...

Dis post made mi cry cos am at dat point of ma lyf rite nw....all ma plans seems nt 2 be working out bt I trust God 4 d best.

Unknown said...

Linda, you are such an inspiration to our generation. More blessings and grace to stay afloat.

Unknown said...

God's wish!

Unknown said...

God's wish!

Unknown said...

Jesus Lindz u looked SICK!!!
Thank God for boobs...
-D great anonymous now as Vivian Reginalds

Unknown said...

Wow thanks for this wonderful message miss Linda. I always get inspired whenever I read any of your life story or watch your motivational videos. Thanks for being an inspiration to a lot of us out there. Thanks for letting me know that when one door closes, God has a better one for me. May God continue to bless you. You're someone I admire so much. Continue basking in God's blessing jare, you deserve it. #muchloveforyoulinda

sweesara said...

Obiora didn't hate,u prolly didn't see the lighter side of what he/she wrote there

Unknown said...

Thank God you are bigger and better now

Unknown said...

Linda you're a wise woman. Thank you and God Bless you for sharing your wisdom.

Tayo Olatunde said...

Very inspiring... you had 6 packs abs when you were younger.
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Chizzy Liz said...

LMFAO..... Wetin bring Jews inside???

James Friend said...

Thanks Linda very inspiring.

Anonymous said...

@anonymous 12:20 are you seriously prostituting online when you should rather be self made? Ok now u ve been noticed. Go and sin no more cos that 60k can be 60 shades of diseases.

Anonymous said...

@anonymous 12:20 are you seriously prostituting online when you should rather be self made? Ok now u ve been noticed. Go and sin no more cos that 60k can be 60 shades of diseases.

Joshua Ken said...

aunty linda you have a way of inspiring me any time m about to give up God bless you!

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Unknown said...

U just had to be rich, you look malnourished in dah modelling photo...more blessings 4u

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Alasdear said...

Thanks Linda for your words of engagement.

^*~sexymikky.,., said...

But you were really slim shaa..and pretty too (winks). Not so pretty anymore but I can understand that age has taken its toll too. You are truly an inspiration to many Linda. Now imagine where you'll be if you continue with such drive. Cheers to victory

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