Thirty seven out of the 41contestants for the grand finale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) beauty pageant slated for Dec.3 have arrived at Ife Grand Resort camp, Ile-Ife, for a 10-day training.
The Ooni of Ife’s ambassador to the pageant, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the camp that the shortlisted contestants started arriving camp on Nov. 20.
This is part of the empowerment programme for youths initiated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also the patron of the pageant.
Ademiluyi said, “The contestants arrived the camp between Monday and Tuesday full of anxieties coupled with great expectations.
“ I noticed that they were full of joy coupled with nervousness as they stepped on to the camp,” she said.
According to her, they will be under the supervision of the camp’s official coordinator, Mrs Wemimo Emewodo,.
Ademiluyi said that Emewodo would be assisted by other professional trainers such as Bayo Haastrup and Alex Nwankwo during the training.
“The trainers on camp will teach the girls how to attempt possible pageant questions, right attitudes, truths on modelling, etiquettes and how to manage the reign.
“There will also be other activities which the contestants will be involved in during the training period on camp,’’ she said.
Some of the contestants described the atmosphere at the camp as cozy with beautifully designed African settings to buttress the cultural motive.
Miss Abiodun Gaffar -Radeyo, 24, said that she was impressed with what she met on arrival.
“ The ambience of Ife Grand Resort is amazing, the scenery is mesmerizing, the beauty, the calmness, the African designs make me speechless, the reception is really meant for that of a queen,” she said.
She noted that the time, efforts and resources put into the place were very glaring from the outlook and designs.
“Despite the fact that I arrived earlier than scheduled, we were warmly welcomed and offered lunch.
“I am really grateful for this great opportunity by the QMA team to experience this side of life,” she said.
Also, Miss Adegboyega Adeola described the scenario as an amazing and good one.
“The atmosphere is really good, though I arrived when it was dark but the glamour was still glaring, ‘she told NAN.
Similarly, Miss Temilade Adesiyan commended the planners for the activities put in place for the contestants.
“We were taken round for a walk on arrival on Tuesday and afterwards, divided into groups for the first day task and briefing.’’
Miss Oyindamola Olaonipekun gave kudos to the organisers for a job well done while Miss Oreoluwa Oladele said she was glad to be part of the awesome and lovely experience.
To Miss Motunrayo Salami, she said that the experience was ” home away from home” and Miss Omoseni Folarin said what she saw on camp was beyond her expectations.
Miss Adetola Aluko said, “I cannot express how much joy I feel inside me right now.
“Thanks to the QMA team for their hospitality, the view is beautiful, soothing and welcoming,” she said.
NAN reports that no fewer than 500 young girls registered for the second edition of Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) beauty pageant.
Ooni Ogunwusi had offered N5 million as form fees for the first 1,000 girls that were interested in obtaining forms to participate in the cultural contest but could not afford the cost.
Participation is exclusively meant for young girls between 18 years and 25 years of Yoruba descent who are expected to sustain the historical and the thematic virtues of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro.
At least one of their parents must be of Yoruba lineage from Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Kwara or Kogi state.
The winner of this year’s edition would receive a N5 million cash prize which she would be expected to invest in profit ventures.
The current queen, Blessing Animasahun, a 600- level Dental-Surgery student of the University of Ibadan was crowned by the Ooni in 2016 in Ile Ife.(NAN)
