Yeye Moremi Oodua and the former First Lady of Ogun State, Dr Olufunso Amosun, has rewarded Miss Adegoke Nana Aisha, winner of the 2026 Queen Moremi Ajasoro Cultural Pageant, with a brand-new car, N1 million cash prize and automatic employment.

Nana Aisha emerged overall winner among 16 contestants at the grand finale of the cultural pageant as part of the ongoing 2026 Moremi Edi Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The first runner-up, Oluwatunmishe Akinyele, received N750,000 and an employment opportunity, while the second runners-up were rewarded with N500,000 each and automatic employment.

Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, described Mrs Amosun as a woman who combines beauty with intelligence, fondly referring to her as "BB — Beauty with Brain."

The monarch, who commended the initiative, said the automatic employment opportunities offered to the top four contestants would also expose them to international engagements and travelling opportunities around the world.

Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, disclosed that the competition had entered its 11th year, urging the winners to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform and become worthy ambassadors of Moremi cultural heritage.

He prayed that the competition would bring positive transformations into the lives of the contestants, stressing that their participation should mark a new chapter in their personal development.

The monarch urged them not to allow the opportunities provided by the pageant to go to waste, but to make meaningful contributions to the promotion of Yoruba culture and the legacy of Moremi Ajasoro.

Meanwhile, the top four contestants are expected to attend a dinner with Mrs Amosun as part of activities surrounding the presentation of the brand-new car.

Speaking on youth development, unemployment and the challenge of out-of-school children, Mrs Amosun emphasised the need for parents and guardians to guide young people towards productive opportunities that would improve their lives.

She advised youths to make constructive use of the internet and other available opportunities, noting that access to digital resources should translate into knowledge acquisition, financial advancement and personal development.

“Any opportunity that presents itself to them must be put to good use for them to advance themselves, whether in terms of financial gains or knowledge accumulation,” she said.

Mrs Amosun explained that the digital training hub was established as part of efforts to discourage young people from engaging in unproductive activities and equip them with relevant skills to become financially independent.

She said young people should be encouraged to acquire digital and other employable skills rather than spend their time idly.

“Instead of loitering about the street, they can become income earners as well,” she added.

In her remarks, the newly crowned queen expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing her with an opportunity to participate, serve and showcase her talent without requiring any prior connections.

She also promised to conduct herself responsibly and uphold the reputation of the pageant as a worthy ambassador of Moremi cultural heritage.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much. I promise I'm going to behave. Thank you so much," she said, smiling as she accepted the crown.

Offering her first words of advice as queen, Nana Aisha encouraged young ladies to remain true to themselves while developing the discipline, composure and discretion required to navigate life and public responsibilities.

She stressed the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, as well as maintaining good conduct in different situations.

"My word of advice would be to just be yourself and be careful, because regardless, you have to be careful and learn when to speak and when not to speak, and how to carry yourself, compose yourself when necessary. Speak when you should speak and know when to keep quiet," she advised.