The state’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, stated this when contestants and stakeholders of the pageant paid a courtesy visit to the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja.
Aregbe said the government was willing to partner with initiatives that could showcase Lagos’ cultural identity, create opportunities for young people and promote tourism, particularly through platforms capable of strengthening the identity of communities such as Surulere.
He urged the contestants to see the pageant as an opportunity to develop themselves and contribute meaningfully to society, rather than focusing solely on the glamour and recognition that come with winning a crown.
“You can do much. It depends on where we are standing. I think you have self-capacity, and also the power of association,” Aregbe told the contestants.
He encouraged the participants to take ownership of their ideas and transform them into practical projects capable of addressing social and community challenges. According to him, young people should not always wait for government or other organisations to create opportunities for them, but should also be prepared to develop initiatives that can generate lasting impact.
The tourism adviser also emphasised the need for the contestants to preserve the cultural character of Surulere as they pursue opportunities beyond the community.
“When you think of Surulere, what comes to mind? Surulere is a small city, a cool, passionate city. My request to you: hold on to that identity. Don’t let it be lost,” he said.
Aregbe assured the organisers of the state government’s support, particularly in securing the necessary approvals and documentation for the pageant and associated activities.
“On our part, we want to add our full support. We’re willing and ready to give all the support you need,” he said, adding that relevant government authorities would work with the organisers through the approval process.
He also disclosed that partnerships with Chinese and other partners were being explored for the eventual winner. However, he stressed that the opportunities arising from the initiative would not be restricted to the contestant who emerges as queen.
“We pledge our full support to the contestants. There will be a partnership with our Chinese partners and other partners for the eventual winner. However, our commitment does not end there. We will also work with those who show readiness and potential, even if they do not emerge as the winner,” he said.
Aregbe further challenged the organisers to produce a queen capable of becoming a strong ambassador for Surulere and contributing to the community’s growth.
“Give us a queen who will inspire us to do more. You are the face of Surulere,” he said, adding, “The crown is temporary, but the impact is permanent.”
Contestants Undergo Intensive Training
The Show Producer, Adebayo Adegbe, said the contestants were undergoing intensive preparations ahead of the competition. He explained that the training covers etiquette, poise, speech, public speaking and catwalk, among other areas designed to prepare the participants for both the pageant and responsibilities that may follow.
According to him, the objective is not simply to prepare contestants to compete for a crown, but also to build their confidence, communication abilities and capacity to function effectively as young ambassadors of their community.
Adegbe added that the contestants would have opportunities to interact with role models and local government officials to gain greater insight into tourism and community development.
He said the local government chairman had also indicated a willingness to support viable projects initiated by contestants where such projects could benefit residents and contribute to the development of Surulere.
₦1.5m Prize for Winner
The organisers said the winner of the pageant would receive a cash prize of ₦1.5 million, while the first and second runners-up would receive ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.
Other contestants are also expected to benefit, with additional prizes valued at about ₦2 million to be distributed among participants.
Beyond the cash prize, the winner will receive a three-day stay at Transcorp Hotel and could gain access to wider government-linked initiatives and opportunities that may extend beyond Nigeria.
Adegbe expressed confidence in the contestants, describing them as intelligent, capable and well positioned to represent Surulere positively.
He said the combination of training, mentorship, government engagement and potential partnerships would give the contestants opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their community long after the pageant has ended.
The organisers said the broader vision of the Miss Surulere Beauty Heritage Pageant was to use the platform to promote the talents of young women while strengthening cultural pride, tourism awareness and community-focused development in Surulere.