It was a splendid evening at the grand finale of the Queen of Ibile pageant recently held at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos.
The event, which was organised by the Queen of Ibile Foundation and Platinum Entertainment, treated guests to a showcase of 16 groomed, vocal and beautiful ladies strutting the stage. The event also featured performances from legendary folk women group, Nerfitti; hip hop culture artiste, Hundred; and alternative act, Kodak.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the pageant, Olayinka Edu, stated that it was more than a display of beauty as the finalists were selected from the five administrative districts of the state—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe. She added that the models were groomed by female mentors in public speaking, etiquette, cultural and moral values, and resilience at the Ibile Mansion in Amen Estate, Ibeju Lekki.
After a colourful showcase of cultural attire displaying the diversity of tribes, and depicting stories of great women in history, the ladies displayed elegance and confidence in their dinner gowns for the second round of the competition.
Elizabeth Salawu, a music artiste, model and tech enthusiast from Ikeja eventually emerged the winner and was crowned Queen of Ibile. Akwuobi Genevieve, a student from Ikorodu came second, while Inioluwa Masominu from Badagry came third.
Salawu went home with N2m and other prizes, including a trip to Mexico for an exchange programme with the Yoruba Culture Group of Mexico, and technical support for a development project in her locality. The runners-up and the prized mentor, earned N1m each.
Edu stated, “I thought to have a pageant turned into a reality, seeing these indigenous Lagosians representing the different divisions of the state. We did this to further shape and empower the young ladies to reach their full potentials and be self sustainable.”
Meanwhile, awards were presented to honourees by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, for their contributions to the development of the state.
Called ‘Icons of Lagos’, the honourees included Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief of Staff to the Lagos governor, Tayo Ayinde; Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu, LCDA, Dele Oshinowo; CEO of Redbrick and Amen City Limited, Sade Balogun; founder, Giwa Gardens, Keji Giwa; founder, The Temple Company, Idris Olorunimbe; and MD/CEO Landmark Africa Group, Paul Onwuanibe.
For their contributions to the development and heritage on the state, art and culture curators like Nike Okundaye-Davies of Nike Art Gallery, Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terrakulture and BAP, Micheal Collins aka Don Jazzy of Mavin Records and Segun Adefila of Crown Troupe were also given laurels.
