Former Ogun First Lady Olufunso Amosun has rewarded 2026 Queen Moremi Ajasoro winner Adegoke Nana Aisha with a brand-new car, N1 million and automatic employment.
Former First Lady of Ogun State, Dr Olufunso Amosun, has rewarded the winner of the 2026 Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural Pageant, Miss Adegoke Nana Aisha, with a brand-new car, N1 million cash prize and automatic employment.
Aisha emerged overall winner among 16 contestants at the grand finale of the cultural competition held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she was crowned by Amosun, the Yeye Moremi Oodua.
The first runner-up, Oluwatunmishe Akinyele, received N750,000 and an employment opportunity, while the second runners-up were awarded N500,000 each alongside automatic employment.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Amosun for supporting the initiative, describing her as a woman who combines beauty with intelligence.
The monarch affectionately referred to her as “BB — Beauty with Brain”, while praising her contribution to the promotion of Moremi Ajasoro’s cultural heritage.
Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, disclosed that the competition had entered its 11th year, urging the winners to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform and become worthy ambassadors of Yoruba culture.
He said the employment opportunities offered to the leading contestants could also expose them to international engagements and opportunities to travel around the world.
The monarch encouraged the winners to use their new positions to promote the legacy of Moremi Ajasoro, stressing that their participation should mark the beginning of positive changes in their personal and professional lives.
He also urged them not to waste the opportunities presented by the competition but to make meaningful contributions to society.
Meanwhile, the top four contestants are expected to attend a dinner with Amosun as part of activities surrounding the presentation of the brand-new car.
Amosun Advocates Digital Skills for Youths
Speaking at the event, Amosun highlighted the importance of youth development, particularly in addressing unemployment and the challenge of out-of-school children.
She urged parents and guardians to guide young people towards productive opportunities, while encouraging youths to use the internet and other available resources for knowledge acquisition, financial advancement and personal development.
“Any opportunity that presents itself to them must be put to good use for them to advance themselves, whether in terms of financial gains or knowledge accumulation,” she said.
Amosun explained that the digital training hub was established to discourage unproductive activities among young people and equip them with relevant skills to achieve financial independence.
She said access to digital training and other employable skills could help young people become income earners rather than remain idle.
“Instead of loitering about the street, they can become income earners as well,” she added.
Moremi Queen Pledges to Promote Yoruba Heritage
In her remarks, the newly crowned queen expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing her with an opportunity to participate, serve and showcase her abilities without requiring prior connections.
Aisha pledged to conduct herself responsibly and protect the reputation of the pageant as an ambassador of Moremi Ajasoro’s cultural heritage.
Offering advice to young women, she encouraged them to remain true to themselves while developing the discipline, composure and discretion needed to navigate personal and public responsibilities.
“My word of advice would be to just be yourself and be careful, because regardless, you have to be careful and learn when to speak and when not to speak, and how to carry yourself, compose yourself when necessary. Speak when you should speak and know when to keep quiet,” she advised.
The Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural Pageant celebrates the legacy of Moremi Ajasoro, a revered figure in Yoruba history remembered for her role in the defence of the ancient Ife kingdom.
The competition provides a platform for young women to demonstrate their talents, leadership abilities and commitment to cultural preservation.
