Miss Ayobo/Ipaja Beauty Pageant 2026 to Hold April 4 …As LCDA chairman, conveners emphasise need for clean environment

Miss Ayobo/Ipaja Beauty Pageant 2026 to Hold April 4 …As LCDA chairman, conveners emphasise need for clean environment

The 2026 edition of Miss Ayobo/Ipaja Beauty Pageant is scheduled to hold on April 4, with the Chairman of Ayobo/Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Hon. Lukman Abiodun Agbaje, and the conveners of the pageant under the auspices of Queenbodaf Global Ltd emphasising environmental cleanliness as the core focus of the programme.
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Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, Hon. Agbaje expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded within a short period in office, noting that his administration places strong emphasis on environmental sanitation, which informed the council’s decision to sponsor the pageant.

“We thank God for all He has been doing in our lives. In Ayobo/Ipaja LCDA, particularly in infrastructure, we have achieved a lot. Within our first 100 days in office, we completed seven roads with drainages, streetlights and interlocking,” he said.

He added that the administration had introduced a task force to discourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“When we heard about the beauty pageant, we saw it as an opportunity to promote environmental cleanliness and educate residents against dumping waste indiscriminately. We want to keep our environment clean and healthy,” he stated.

In her remarks, the Co-Convener of the pageant, Queen Funke Bolarinwa, said that the initiative was designed to empower young women in Ayobo/Ipaja, while also promoting environmental awareness.

“This project is not just about beauty; it is about building confidence and discovering talents. We have lined up several programmes for the contestants to help them understand that this platform is about community impact,” she said.

She explained that activities lined up before the grand finale include a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the area, screening and auditions, awareness walks with the LCDA chairman through markets and communities, and intensive training sessions for contestants.

“The main event is slated for April 4, 2026. Our theme, ‘Environmental Awareness,’ will guide all our activities,” she added.

Bolarinwa stressed that maintaining a clean environment is critical to healthy living, noting that poor sanitation exposes residents to preventable diseases. She described the initiative as a long-term development project aimed at sustainable community growth.

“Our advice to contestants is to believe in themselves, remain disciplined and stay focused. This is not just about money or entertainment, but about purpose and leadership,” she said.

Also speaking, Co-Convener Mrs. Olawunmi Haastrup said that the pageant was intentionally tied to environmental cleanliness due to existing sanitation challenges in the area.

She noted that the programme would be used to sensitise market women, youths and other residents on proper waste disposal.

“Forms are available free of charge at the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Department of the LCDA. After collation, there will be proper casting by judges to select the best contestants.

“We will organise awareness rallies, auditions and environmental walks. The contestants will also be camped and trained in moral values, leadership and community engagement before the final crowning on April 4,” she said.

Haastrup emphasised that the pageant promotes decency and leadership.

“Miss Ayobo/Ipaja is not about indecent dressing. We believe that beauty is a powerful platform for leadership and intellectual development. We are looking for young women with carriage, intelligence and grace,” she stated.

The Special Adviser on Media and Information to the LCDA Chairman, Prince Titi Jeje, said that the council has been proactive since Hon. Agbaje assumed office.

He stressed the need for residents to adopt proper waste disposal methods by keeping refuse properly packaged for collection by Private Sector Participants (PSP).

“Dumping refuse on the road is wrong and unacceptable. It litters the environment and tarnishes the image of the community. Part of our reason for sponsoring the pageant is to use it as a campaign tool for environmental cleanliness,” he said.

Jeje dismissed the perception that Ayobo/Ipaja is a rural area, stating that the LCDA has improved significantly.

“Before Hon. Agbaje assumed office, the LCDA was ranked 57th, but it is now ranked 23rd. This initiative will further showcase Ayobo/Ipaja as a community with great potential,” he added.

Also commenting, the Head of WAPA in the LCDA, Mrs. Kuton Aramide, described the event as more than a beauty contest.

“This is a platform for empowerment, confidence building, leadership development and purposeful engagement for young girls in Ayobo/Ipaja. It provides opportunities for mentorship and talent development.

“When we empower a girl, we empower a family; and when we empower families, we strengthen our LCDA,” she said.