Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-Winners also emerge for Hair, fashion, school cultural shows
Miss Badmus Morenikeji, the new Miss Ikorodu receiving royal blessings from the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Kabir Adewale Shotobi after her emergence on Wednesday
It was another funfilled night as Miss Badmus Morenikeji, a model with the FANAFILLIT, emerged as Miss Ikorodu 2022/23, amidst wild jubilation by the cheering crowd who were in total agreement with the judges’ decision to pronounce her as the new beauty queen.
Morenikeji, who also contested last year but was unlucky, proved that she has garnered enough experiences and the technical know – how about the art of beuaty pageant, as she enjoyed maximum approval from the crowd each time she stepped out on stage.
The contest, which held at the Arch. Olutusen Onafowokan Auditorium, Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu, was graced by His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and many other dignitaries.
The immediate past Miss Ikorodu, Miss Oyeniran Hannah (2nd right) handing over to the new queen, Miss Badmus Morenikeji (2nd left). With them, first and second runners – up.
Also in attendance was the newly crowned Miss Ikorodu West LCDA.
More so, winners also emerged in the Hair and Fashion contests which also took place on the night which is fast becoming a tradition in Ikorodu.
The winner of the Miss Ikorodu Oga Pageant, Miss Badmus Morenikeji, will represent the Elite Club during the period of her reign as she took over from Miss Oyeniran Hannah, who represented the Knight Club.
Winner of the Hair Contest (3rd right) with first, second and third runners – up and managers
Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), speaking at the contest, charged the crowd to considered every contestant that made it to the final stage as winners.
“Every contestant that came to this place is a winner. You have been selected out of many and for you to get to the final stage, you are a winner. I appreciate your patience. I want to appreciate you for being here on the 31st Ikorodu-Oga Day”, Erogbogbo said.
“But, I also want to let you know that whoever emerged has the winner of every of the competition today is truly the winner and please, in good sprit of sportsmanship, don’t look at it as maybe the judges are partial”.
Fashion contestants during the contest in Ikorodu on Wednesday
The IKODASS Chairman, who said that there has been improvement in the organization of the contests, assured the royal father, guests and entire residents that efforts are ongoing to make it much better next year and subsequent editions.
The models first appeared in casual and followed by their appearances in different attires dancing to Fuji music.
Thereafter, the contestants wore fancy outfits, followed by gown and their final appearance was the question session where they answered questions pertaining to Ilorodu and general knowledge.
Miss Oparaodu Lilian (Golden Dames Club) and Miss Oladapo Omowunmi (Achievers Club1st Runner Up) emerged as 1st and 2nd runners – up.
In the Hair and Fashion Contest categories, Adebayo Mariam (Ladega Zone) and Salau Ramat, emerged winners respectively.
Contestants for Miss Ikorodu during performance
In all their appearances, Morenikeji won the spectator’s heart.
Adenowo Oluwakemi (Adamo Agunfoye), Adebayo Kehinde (Solomade) and Amoo Okikiola (Odogunyan) emerged as second, third and fourth in the Hair Contest, while Adewale Raimot (Ikorodu Centre Zone 3), Balogun Rukayat (Ikorodu Oga Zone 2) and Omotunde Folashade (Ikorodu Centre Zone 1) also did same in the Fashion contest.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, the winner Hair contest, Adebayo Mariam, said:
“I feel very excited and happy.
“I want to say a big thank you to IKODASS for bringing up this ideas and everybody that supported me”.
Mrs Rahmat Salu, Zone 1, Temidire branch, Ijede LCDA, Ikorodu LG Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT), also speaking, after emerging winner of the fashion contest, said:
Cross section of guests at the event
“Actually, I contested last year which was a learning ground for me and so, I took away necessary lessons and went back to learn more and fully prepared myself for this year. I felt that I can do it and thank God I did it”, she said happily.
“I really appreciate my mentors, because if they did not nominate me, I will not be here. I really appreciate them. I also appreciate the organisers, because if they did not organise this show, there will be no me today. So, I really appreciate them and to IKODASS, I am really grateful”.
To my follow contestants, I believe everybody has their time to shine because somebody won last year and I won this year, I believe someone will definitely win it next year too. So, please keep on trying and when you don’t relent, you are going to come first”, she charged.
Meanwhile, in the cultural contest that also took place among schools during the event, students of the Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, again proved why the school is still number one with their outstanding performances that made the school winner.
Yewa Senior Secondary School and Ayangbure Senior Secondary School came second and third respectively.
Prize monies and various gift items were given to winners in the Miss Ikorodu, Hair, Fashion and Cultural contests.
