A 19-year-old student of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Bukola Akinjeji, has been crowned the Most Beautiful Girl in OAU, defeating 10 other finalists that represented different tribes in the country.

Ajetunmobi Iretioluwa, emerged the first runner-up and MBGOAU Tourism, while Okwudili Samuella was the second runner-up and MBGOAU Culture.

Akinjeji, who is 100 level student, could not hide her joy as she got a N300,000 cash prize, home theatre system from Malta Guinness, a one-year supply of clothes courtesy of a wife of the Ooni of Ife, Tobi-Phillips Ogunwusi, clothes from Braiyv (a US-based company) and Specialat, as well as make-up kits from Anke.

Expressing joy at winning the pageant, Akinjeji told Merrymakers, “Walking on the runway is something I had always been passionate about.

“This platform has given me an opportunity to leverage on as regards my advocacy on fashion and style. I also seize this opportunity to advise youths to always be confident and let the whole world know what they stand for.”

Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was represented by the Sooko Omoniyi of Ife, Kemade Elugbaju, encouraged youths to embrace African culture, even as he charged the contestants not to relent in the pursuit of their dreams.

Speaking on behalf of Forerunners Creativity and a, the organiser of the pageant, Olufidipe Adeniyi, stated that the organisation was founded to promote culture through fashion and style, languages, food, crafts and values.”

On the future plans for the pageantry, Adeniyi noted that the event will hold annually, with provisions for the winners to contest at national and international pageants.

The event also had performances by artistes from the university community, such as Ewa, G Dave, Cosy, Makanaki, B Pop, and MC Talk-Talk.

Distinguished guests at the event were Olori Tobi-Phillips Ogunwusi, Obalufe of Ife, Idowu Adediwura; and a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ife Federal Constituency, Taofeek Ajilesoro.