The Lagos State Government has pledged its support for the organisers and contestants of the Miss Surulere Beauty Heritage Pageant, positioning the initiative as a platform for youth development, cultural preservation, tourism promotion and community advancement.
The state’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the pageant contestants and stakeholders to the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
Aregbe said the government was prepared to support initiatives capable of promoting tourism, culture and youth empowerment while strengthening the identity of Surulere.
He urged the contestants to look beyond the glamour of pageantry and use the platform to develop practical ideas capable of addressing social and community challenges.
“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 them to take ownership of their ideas and turn them into initiatives that could produce lasting benefits, rather than wait for others to create opportunities for them.
The tourism adviser also stressed the importance of preserving Surulere’s cultural identity, urging the contestants to remain connected to their community even as they pursue broader opportunities.
“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 that the state would assist with the necessary approvals and documentation required for the pageant and related 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 the government would work with the organisers throughout the approval process.
He further disclosed that partnerships with Chinese and other partners were being explored for the eventual winner, while stressing that opportunities would not necessarily be limited to the 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 challenged the organisers to produce a queen who could serve as an effective ambassador for Surulere and inspire further development.
“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.”
Show Producer, Adebayo Adegbe, said contestants were undergoing intensive training in etiquette, poise, speech, public speaking and catwalk as part of their preparation for the competition and future responsibilities.
He said the training was intended to build confidence and equip participants with skills useful beyond the pageant.
According to Adegbe, contestants would also interact with role models and local government officials on tourism, while the local government chairman had expressed willingness to support viable projects developed by participants for the benefit of the community.
The organisers said the winner would receive a ₦1.5 million cash prize, while the first and second runners-up would receive ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively. Additional prizes valued at about ₦2 million would also be shared among other contestants.
The winner would further receive a three-day stay at Transcorp Hotel, with potential access to wider government-linked initiatives and opportunities that could extend beyond Nigeria.
Adegbe expressed confidence in the contestants, describing them as intelligent and capable of representing Surulere effectively.
