Over the years, the modelling industry has been linked to prostitution and human trafficking, with the major key players in the sector keeping mum about it. It is a known fact that a majority of Nigerians believe modelling is synonymous with prostitution, while they consider the modelling agencies and beauty pageant organisers to be the low-key promoters.
Human trafficking is the act of recruiting, moving or harbouring a person, either by use of force, deception or coercion for the purpose of exploitation and financial gain. However, in the modelling industry, it is often the use of ‘deception’.
Some models have confirmed beauty pageant organisers and modelling agencies lure models into prostitution to boost their careers in the industry or win a particular ‘miss’ or ‘queen’ title, but before this, they make them sign a non-disclosure agreement to keep their mouth sealed from revealing the information to the public.
To some who genuinely have interest in modelling, but couldn’t pursue the career further after they have been shown what they tagged ‘ugly side of modelling’, described prostitution as models (male or female) serving as escorts to rich or influential men and women. Being an escort goes beyond sitting or travelling side-by-side with prominent people, they eventually get to sleep with them to bolster their careers and get their agencies connected.
Entertainment Journalist Adeyinka Oluwamayowa spoke to Bello Oluwatobi, a respected showbiz entrepreneur, who is also the convener of Miss South West Nigeria and Heritage Awards, about these allegations and the assertion that beauty contest organisers sell their models into prostitution after crowning them.
Bello said he doesn’t engage in any of these activities because models don’t deserve to be victimized in whatever manner. “Me and my team are not in support and will never be in support of these criminal activities.”
Apparently angered by the claims, Bello further advised beauty pageant organisers to shun the act, put integrity first and say no to crime.
Bello promises to deliver a colourful Miss South West Nigeria and Heritage Awards 2021 on October 3, at the Geeks Event Centre, Falana Bus Stop, Challenge in Ibadan, Oyo State.