From the Southwest Provincial level of Miss Tourism 2008, Eposi began to make the difference, outsmarting six other girls in a competition of seven. Champion of the Southwest Miss Tourism 2008, Eposi had the green light to go for the National Miss Tourism 2008 competition in Yaounde.

Facing nine other beauties from the rest of Cameroon's nine provinces, suggestively, was not a big do for Eposi. She thinks that she has the necessary ingredients to make her Cameroon's Miss Tourism for 2008. In this exclusive interview with VoicesofAfrica, Eposi gives her views on other related issues.

How do you feel with this new crown?

I feel very happy and with some amount of excitement.

Where is your interest in modelling coming from?

It all began from my childhood. I grew up with an elder sister who too interest in participating in modelling competitions and fashion shows. So, I drew inspiration from her and felt that one day I'll get into her shoes.

After championing at the Southwest Provincial final, were you convinced you will make it at the national final?

I would not say I was convinced but I had the thought of being confident of myself and to say I can make it. I also had a deep faith in God to lead me through.

Why did you win?

I imagine that my demonstrations on stage, my knowledge of tourism and my touch of bilingualism made the members of jury found favour in me.

What are you going to contribute to make the Cameroonian tourism industry better?

I will assist the Ministry of Tourism to promote the culture of tourism in some of our schools across the country and encourage tourism clubs to be opened in our schools. I will talk about tourism, beginning from my own family, in my neighbourhood and the promotion of touristic sites across the country.

What does it entail to be Miss Tourism in Cameroon?

It is all about devotion to your work. You have to show humility and servitude to your supervisors which include the provincial delegation of Tourism from the province you represent and the Ministry of Tourism of my country.

How are you going to blend your newfound responsibilities and your student life?

Certainly, I am not going to be same as it was before I became Miss Tourism 2008. There will be this distraction of a Miss as you pass here and there. But the Miss Tourism 2008 crown has only come to make me a better student. It is a big challenge for me to work harder in my academic life. This is my third and last year in UB. So, being focussed and responsible are my pre-occupations. After this, I have to spend a lot of time carrying out my responsibilities in the Ministry of Tourism. While I am still in the university, during holidays I will also have a lot to do in some of the primary and secondary/high schools and in the Ministry of Tourism.

How do your friends now see you in the neighbourhood?

Yes! I have noticed some change in reactions towards me. Some of my friends feel intimidated to come towards. As I pass around the neighbourhood some comments are made. However, I still greet all my friends that I meet them along the line and share light moments when I can. I am still the simple girl that I have always been.

Do you intend to pursue a career in the world of modelling?

My wish is to go further in the world of modelling. I wish to go beyond the boundary of Cameroon, the African continent and the rest of the world. Modelling is a passion and a dream career.

What's your take on some Cameroonian parents who see modelling in the light of prostitution?

I will tell those doubtful parents that modelling has nothing to do with prostitution. If it is the passion of your child to pursue her career as a model, what the parents should do is to encourage her. Parents should rather find out what modelling is all about instead of creating an impression in the mind of the girl or boy child. Remember, modelling is both for females and males. The child should be counselled and if that is what he/she wants to embark on, then he/she should be seriously encouraged. That is what my parents have been doing to me. I have a lot of encouragement and blessings from them.

If you were to advice the Ministry of Tourism, what will you tell them?

What they have done so far is good but there are some touristic sites in the country which are yet to be developed and some yet to be made known to the public. These, should be given serious consideration so that our touristic potentials are enriched, and consequently, more people get interested and develop the love to visit our country. For the existing touristic sites, it should be guarded jealously so that posterity can also have the opportunity to see the things that have been there after many years.

What's your message to your girls, young people and enthusiasts of tourism?

Tourism has a place in our country. It does not only showcase the beauty of Cameroon, but it is an income generating industry. The tourism sector is a job provider to the youths. Rather than Cameroonian youths living the country to go in search of job opportunities elsewhere in the world, they should indulge themselves gainfully in the tourism industry. It is also an opportunity for the Cameroonian youths to put their country on the international spotlight. Thank you!!