Elizabeth Abiola Salawu, a music artist, model, and tech enthusiast from Ikeja Division, has emerged as the Queen of IBILE.
The grand finale of the prestigious Queen of IBILE pageant took center stage on Friday at the Shell Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Akwuobi Genevieve, a student representing Ikorodu Division, and Inioluwa Masominu from Badagry Division secured second and third places, respectively.
The glamorous event, organised by the Queen of IBILE Foundation in collaboration with Platinum Entertainment, showcased 16 vibrant young women selected from Lagos State’s five administrative divisions—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.
The contestants, groomed in public speaking, cultural values, and resilience, were mentored by distinguished personalities, including actress Oreofe Oguntola and thespian Efe Orhorha, at the IBILE Mansion located in Amen Estate, Ibeju-Lekki.
The evening featured electrifying performances by the legendary folk women group Nerfitti, hip-hop artist Hundred, and alternative act Kodak.
Guests were also treated to a colourful display of cultural attire representing the diverse heritage of Lagos and an elegant showcase of dinner gowns during the second round.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the IBILE Pageant, Ms. Olayinka Edu, emphasized that the pageant was more than a beauty contest.
She explained that the initiative aims to celebrate the indigenous people of Lagos, showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, and empower young women.
“I thought to have a pageant turned into a reality, seeing these indigenous Lagosians representing the different divisions of the state all housed in an edifice called the IBILE Mansion,” Edu said. “This, we did, to further shape and empower the young ladies to reach their full potential and to be self-sustainable.”
Salawu, the newly crowned Queen of IBILE, walked away with ₦2 million, 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 top mentor, Efe Orhorha, each received ₦1 million.
The event also honoured distinguished individuals tagged “Icons of Lagos” for their contributions to the development and preservation of Lagos State’s heritage.
Recipients included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and art and culture curators like Nike Okundaye-Davies of Nike Art Gallery and Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Kulture.
Ms. Sade Balogun, CEO of Redbrick and Amen City LTD, a key supporter of the event, highlighted the alignment of the pageant’s values with those of Lagos State. “The project is a testament to what happens when vision meets passion,” Balogun remarked, adding that the initiative fosters unity among the five divisions while empowering young women.
The grand finale left attendees inspired, with performance virtuoso Jelili Atitu commending the organizers for giving the contestants hope and encouraging them to positively impact their communities.
