Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Icons to be honoured at Queen of Ibile Pageant finale

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other ‘Lagos Icons’ will be honoured at the grand finale of the Queen of Ibile Pageant, Awards, and Reality Show on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos. The award recognizes Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos State across critical sectors, including infrastructure, culture, tourism, and women’s empowerment.

According to Platinum Entertainment, organizers of the pageant, the Queen of Ibile Pageant is a landmark event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Lagos while empowering young women to become ambassadors of culture, tourism, and innovation. Themed “I AM LAGOS,” the pageant highlights the pride, resilience, and diversity of the state. Contestants representing Lagos’ five divisions—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Division, and Epe—will compete in the grand finale after weeks of intensive mentorship and cultural immersion at the IBILE Mansion by Amen Estate.

In a statement made available to reporters by the firm’s CEO, Ms. Edu Olayinka, Governor Sanwo-Olu will be joined by other distinguished awardees who have contributed significantly to Lagos’ cultural, leadership, and economic development. These honorees, named ‘Lagos Icons,’ include Ms. Sade Balogun, Chairman/CEO of Amen Estate, for her transformational work in real estate, and music producer Michael Collins, popularly known as Don Jazzy, for his pivotal role in showcasing Lagos’ entertainment talent to the world.

Other honorees in governance include Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, for his exemplary service to Lagos State, and Bayo Oshinowo, Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu, for his grassroots leadership and community service.

In the creative sector, Idris Olorunimbe, CEO of Temple Company and Ogidi Studio, Keji Giwa, Founder of Giwa Gardens, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, and virtual aNike Davies-Okundaye will be honoured for their roles in promoting culture, advancing entertainment, and elevating Lagos as a global tourism destination.

“The grand finale will feature cultural showcases, thrilling performances, and the crowning of the Queen of Ibile, who will become an ambassador for Lagos’ tourism, culture, and commerce. As for the honorees, they represent the strength, creativity, and resilience that make Lagos a beacon of innovation and progress. The Queen of Ibile Pageant is not just a beauty contest—it’s a platform that drives real impact,” Edu stated.

Edu stated that the pageant is endorsed by the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “This underscores the administration’s efforts to position Lagos as a global hub for tourism and culture. It also aligns with the governor’s vision of fostering community development and empowering the state’s youth and women.”

Proceeds from the pageant will support the Queen of Ibile Foundation and initiatives, a non-governmental organization aimed at education, mentorship, and social impact. The project also amplifies Lagos’ reputation as a city of cultural and economic vibrancy, presenting opportunities for tourism and investment while preserving unique stories and traditions that uphold its cultural heritage. The project also unbundles the Beauty to Serve Initiative, which focuses on education, mentorship, and community projects.

“This initiative is another testament to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s enduring legacy of supporting arts, culture, and the empowerment of the Lagosian woman. The grand finale, which promises to be a dazzling showcase of Lagos’ cultural heritage and modern innovation, is set to draw the crème de la crème of Lagos society, with performances, cultural displays, and the crowning of the Queen of Ibile as key highlights of the forthcoming event,” Edu said.