“I believe strongly in the unity being exhibited under Chief Leonard Okafor as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.”
“Leadership Is About Impact” – Igbo Businessman Gives Back With Car Gifts, Mentorship Across States
By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The 3rd Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Meeting held at the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall, Lagos State University, Ojo, brought together Igbo leaders, businessmen and youth advocates under one roof. One of the personalities in attendance, Mazi Chuks Emmanuel Nwigwe, popularly known as Prince Jahmel, CEO VENUX BEAUTY, used the platform to speak on leadership, unity and his mission to empower young women beyond Igboland.
“LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT IMPACT”
Introducing himself, Prince Jahmel described his identity with pride.
“My name is Mazi Chuks Emmanuel Nwigwe, popularly known as Prince Jahmel. I am a proud Igbo son from Ebonyi State, a businessman, and a promoter of culture, unity, youth development and community empowerment. For me, leadership is not only about what we achieve for ourselves, but about the positive impact we create for others.”
WHY OHANAEZE MATTERS TO HIM
Speaking on what drew him to the Ohanaeze monthly meeting, he said it was the spirit of togetherness.
“The meeting provides an opportunity for Igbo sons and daughters living in Lagos to come together, discuss issues affecting our people, support one another and preserve our cultural identity. I believe strongly in the unity being exhibited under Chief Leonard Okafor as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State.”
On the importance of grassroots meetings like the Ojo LGA gathering, he added: “Grassroots engagement is the foundation of unity. When Ndigbo come together at the local level, we understand one another and strengthen our collective voice. I encourage everyone to participate actively and put tribe behind us.”
TAKING VENUX BEAUTY TO AKWA IBOM
Prince Jahmel is the brain behind VENUX BEAUTY, a pageant brand that started with the 1st and 2nd Edition of MISS OJO Beauty Pageant in Lagos. The brand was later invited to Akwa Ibom, where he has successfully organized the 1st and 2nd Edition of MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN AKWA IBOM STATE. Both winners went home with a saloon car.
“My inspiration is to create opportunities for young people and build bridges between communities,” he explained. “Beauty is only one part of what these women represent. I want to promote confidence, talent, intelligence, culture and empowerment.”
He chose Akwa Ibom deliberately. “Opportunities should not be restricted to our home states. As someone living outside my homeland, I believe in giving back to the community that welcomes us. Akwa Ibom has beautiful people, rich culture and talented young women.”
CULTURE, UNITY AND REPRESENTATION
As an Igbo son, Prince Jahmel says his platform promotes mutual respect. “We showcase dignity, hard work, excellence, respect for elders, family and community. At the same time, we celebrate the culture of our host. Cultural promotion should bring people together, not separate us.”
He urged fellow Igbo businessmen to emulate this spirit. “Business should not only be about profit. We must support the communities that provide us opportunities. Giving back creates goodwill and leaves a legacy that money cannot buy.”
MORE THAN A CROWN
Beyond the glamour, VENUX BEAUTY contestants gain mentorship, exposure and access to skills, education and entrepreneurship. With over 100 applicants per edition, selection is based on confidence, intelligence, communication, talent, character and cultural awareness.
“We make it clear from day one that beauty alone is not enough. The crown must represent a woman who can inspire others and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
CHALLENGES AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Organizing in a new state came with challenges of trust, but he approached it with humility. “I worked with the people and made it clear this is about partnership.”
His vision is bold: “In the next three years, I want MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN AKWA IBOM to become a respected national platform for discovering talent and creating opportunities. We are already looking forward to the 3rd Edition in 2027.”
MESSAGE TO YOUTHS AND LEADERS
To young girls, his advice is simple: “Believe in yourself. Don’t allow criticism to define you. Enter not just to win a crown, but to discover yourself.”
To Igbo leaders, he appealed for more investment in youth. “Our young people have talent and creativity. We need platforms that showcase the positive side of our people to the world.”
Conclusively, to the people of Akwa Ibom, Prince Jahmel expressed gratitude: “Thank you for your warmth and hospitality. We do not take it for granted.”
To contestants: “Tonight is not the end, it is the beginning. Develop your talent and carry yourself with dignity.”Through VENUX BEAUTY, Prince Jahmel is proving that pageantry can be more than entertainment. It can be a tool for youth empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and community development — from Ojo in Lagos to Uyo in Akwa Ibom, and hopefully across Nigeria.