Anjola Dawodu
The organisers of the Miss Ayobo/Ipaja beauty pageant have said that it is stepping into the spotlight with a bold mission: cleaning up the community, one advocacy at a time.
The convener, Oluwafunke Bolarinwa, said the initiative was born out of real-life environmental challenges facing residents.
She said, “The environmental issues that inspired the creation of the pageant include indiscriminate refuse dumping, roadside littering, blocked drainage systems, and a general lack of environmental cleanliness awareness among residents.”
Bolarinwa, who is also a broadcaster, noted that the issues go beyond aesthetics.
“These challenges affect public health, aesthetics, and the overall quality of life in Ayobo-Ipaja, making it necessary to adopt creative and people-focused approaches to drive change,” she said.
She added that rather than focusing solely on glamour, the pageant is designed as an advocacy platform, using young women as agents of change.
“The pageant will serve as a strong advocacy platform by taking environmental education directly to the grassroots,” she said.
She also explained that contestants won’t just walk the stage, they will walk the streets.
She said, “Contestants will engage markets, streets, schools, and residential areas to educate people on proper waste disposal, recycling, and cleanliness. By using young women as role models and influencers, we hope that the pageant will inspire behavioural change and encourage community ownership of a cleaner environment.”
Bolarinwa maintained that the initiative aligns with local government efforts.
“The Miss Ayobo/Ipaja Beauty Pageant aligns with the LCDA’s environmental policies by complementing its sanitation, waste management, and public awareness programmes.”
The selection process is equally purpose-driven. To qualify, contestants must be registered residents of Ayobo-Ipaja, possess a valid LASRRA ID, be between 20 and 25 years old, and demonstrate passion for environmental issues, alongside intelligence, character, and advocacy strength.
And the crown comes with responsibility.
“After the pageant, the winner will work closely with organizers, community leaders, and relevant environmental bodies to sustain awareness campaigns.”
These efforts will include clean-up exercises, school and market sensitisation, media engagements, and digital advocacy.
As for rewards, the organisers say the winner won’t just gain visibility.
“The winner will receive the Miss Ayobo/Ipaja crown, official recognition, and prizes that will include cash rewards, and opportunities for personal development, ensuring she can make meaningful impact within the community.”
With registrations, screenings, and advocacy activities set to roll out in phases, excitement is already building.
“Official announcements of contestants, event schedules, and the grand finale date will be made in phases through media platforms and community channels in the coming months.”
In Ayobo-Ipaja, beauty is no longer just about looks, it’s about impact. And this pageant is proving that sometimes, the most powerful crown is the one worn in service of the community.
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