IBADAN- Miss Tolulope Mohameed on Sunday in Ibadan won the 20th edition of the annual Miss Oyo State Beauty Contest.
Emerging as the contest’s first runners-up was Ms Favour Owoade, while Ms Gbemisola Amoo finished as the second runners-up.
In the other awards categories, Ms Boluwatife Aremu emerged “Miss Cute”, while the “Miss Intelligent” award was won by Ms Oluwatimilehin Akande.
The “Miss Elegant” award went to Ms Oluwadamilola Okundare, while the “Miss Photogenic” award was won by Ms Ololade Olanrewaju.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pageant was organised by the Silverstone Communications, owned by ace journalist Mr Isaac Brown.
Twenty-one contestants made it to the boot camp which lasted for over one week, with the contestants consisting of graduates, undergraduates and self-employed youths.
For her efforts, Mohameed received a Mercedes-Benz car, courtesy of Mr Dotun Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ilaji Hotel and Resorts.
Owoade received as her prize a return ticket to Jordan courtesy of Ufit Fly.
The event had in attendance Mrs Ajibola Lawal, wife of Oyo state’s Deputy Governor, and Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of a former governor of the state.
Others included Mrs Mutia Ladoja, wife of a former governor, Oyo state, as well as Mrs Monsurat Sunmonu, a former senator, and Mr Yinka Ayefele, a juju musician.
Speaking on the event, Lawal said she was encouraged by what she saw.
“This competition will serve as an exposure for our girls. Some of them prior to this can’t speak or dance in public.
“But this has helped in conquering a few of their fears and this will spur them to aspire higher,” she said.
Ajimobi on her part urged participants who did not win not to lose focus or hope.
“It goes beyond just winning and beauty. It’s all encompassing. For not winning, it means you didn’t possess what the judges wanted.
“I appreciate the organisers for always showcasing our dear state and for the consistency over the years,” she said.
Sumonu said that while she was the Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly she met past winners who came to her for advice on how to impact the society.
“These girls are intelligent and possess so much that can impact the society if given the opportunity to put their full abilities to use,” she said.
NAN reports that awards were given to Ladoja for her contributions to the pageant over the years.(NAN)
