Miss Olanrewaju Ololade Grace, an 18-year-old student of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, has emerged winner of the 22nd edition of the Miss Oyo State beauty pageant.
The event was held on Saturday at the Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan, and was organised by Silverstone Communications, led by its chief executive, Mayor Isaac Brown.
Grace, a 200-level Business Education student representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, outshone 17 other contestants to clinch the coveted crown.
She went home with the star prize of a Toyota Camry Muscle 2010, donated by prominent businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, owner of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts.
Speaking after being crowned, Grace expressed gratitude to the organisers and supporters.
“This crown means so much to me. It is not just about beauty, but about purpose, service and representing Oyo State with dignity. I am grateful to God, the organisers and everyone who believed in me,” she said.
Mayor Isaac Brown described the event as a celebration of youth, culture and excellence. “Miss Oyo State has continued to be a platform for empowering young women and showcasing the rich heritage of our state.”
“We are proud of the quality of contestants and the transparent process that produced a deserving winner,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Dotun Sanusi, donor of the star prize, said the pageant was worth supporting.
“When we invest in young people, especially young women, we invest in the future of our society. Miss Oyo State is a platform that deserves encouragement,” he said.
The panel of judges was led by the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, with the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, serving alongside him.
Grace was crowned by Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Ajibola Lawal, wife of the Oyo State Deputy Governor, who represented the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde.
Dignitaries at the event included local government chairmen led by Hon Sikiru Sanda, Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and ALGON Chairman in Oyo State; Fresh FM boss, Dr Yinka Ayefele, MON, top government functionaries and other notable personalities. Officials of sponsoring companies were also in attendance.
A total of 18 contestants participated in the competition. Adewale Oyindamola, a 19-year-old student of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju, emerged first runner-up.
The second runner-up was Ogunshina Deborah Oluwatosin, 26, of the Federal College of Education affiliated with the University of Ibadan, representing Lagelu/Akinyele.
Olagunju Deborah Olaide, a 20-year-old student of Adekunle Ajasin University, representing Non-Indigene Community 1, emerged third runner-up.
Other awards presented on the night included Miss Intellect, won by Olatoye Adeola Joy, 20, from Ibarapa North Central; Miss Cute, awarded to Aremu Boluwatife Toluwanimi, 25, representing Irepo/Orelope/Olorunshogo; and Miss Elegant, won by Oladele Busayo Serah, 23, from Ogbomoso North/South and Oriire.
Meals were provided for guests by Item 7, BetaJollof, Foodco and Ultima Foods, adding to the glamour and hospitality that characterised the event.
