UI medical student, Rebecca Ogunnaike, crowned first Miss Ibadan

A third-year medical student at the University of Ibadan (UI), and dedicated student leader, Miss Rebecca Oreoluwa Ogunnaike has emerged as the winner of “Miss Ibadan 2023” at the first edition of Miss Ibadan Beauty Pageants and Awards.

The event, sponsored by the Aderonke Omo Dairo Foundation, was held on Sunday at Tafo Arena Event Centre, Ijokodo Area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

According to the organisers, the Miss Ibadan Beauty Pageant project is targeted at promoting as well as showcasing the Ibadan culture, tourism, and lifestyle to the international community.

Alongside her academic pursuits, Ogunnaike, a freelance writer, and a talented vocalist, has actively contributed to several communities as a serial volunteer, notably with Cardio Health, an NGO focused on cardiovascular health advocacy and outreach.

Presently, Ogunnaike is serving as the Deputy Congress Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association and aspires to make a lasting impact within Ibadan, even as she aims to eventually lead the World Health Organisation.

In a chat with Mega Icon Magazine shortly after the event, Miss Rebecca Ogunnaike lauded Dr. Aderonke Dairo for impacting the Ibadan community positively.

“You saw a need to raise a platform for the uplifting of young ladies in the city of Ibadan, and you met that need. I wish to express my deepest gratitude for organising the “Miss Ibadan Pageant 2023”. As the first winner of this prestigious competition, I am truly honoured and humbled to have had the opportunity to participate in such an incredible history-altering event.

“Your commitment to showcasing the beauty, intelligence, and talent of young women in Ibadan is commendable. From the lavish stage setup to the flawless execution of the entire competition, every detail was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary”, she submitted.

While commending the other 26 contestants, Ogunnaike said,
“My win is our win. We just made history in Oyo State”.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) cash gift to the winner, alongside a diamond crown worth Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N650,000) among other mouth-watering gifts