As the countdown to the second edition of Queen Moremi Ajasaro Beauty Pageant gathers momentum, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has donated N5 million to sponsor the first 1,000 contestants of the forthcoming pageant slated for October.
At a press briefing in Lagos recently, the Ooni, represented by the Heritage Ambassador, Legacy of Moremi, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, said that the N5 million would be used to offset the cost of the registration of contestants in order to encourage young ladies who may not have the financial means to participate in the contest.
“The contest is open to young ladies between the age demographic of 18 to 25 and at least, one of their parents must be of Yoruba lineage. The beauty pageant will through various activities epitomise the intellect, beauty and the spirit of bravery that Queen Moremi exhibited in her lifetime for the lle-Ife people.”
She added: “For so long, we have been regaled with the tales and exploits of Queen Moremi. Therefore, we have decdied to organise the pageant to honour Yorubaland’s most illustrious queen. The pageant is being organised to show the entire world how Queen Moremi lived an extraordinary life of service. Aside upholding the legacy of the respected Queen of the House of O’odua, the pageant will also help stimulate awareness of the tourism potential of Ile-Ife.”
Ademiluyi noted that the pageant is aimed at bringing back the lost values of selflessness, courage and discipline, which Queen Moremi Ajasoro exhibited in her lifetime.