By Eniola Philip
Excitement is building across the Southwest as the countdown begins for the grand finale of the Most Beautiful Yoruba Girl (MBYG) pageant, a unique cultural showcase dedicated to celebrating the inner and outer beauty of the Yoruba people. The main event is scheduled for November 30, 2025.
The contest’s host, Mr. Tunde Odunlade, passionately articulated the pageant’s mission, emphasizing that the event is “purely a cultural thing” and not a matter of religion. “We are beautiful people. And what you have, if you don’t show it, people don’t see it,” Mr. Odunlade said, framing the contest as a vital platform to showcase the Yoruba heritage to the world.
Mr. Odunlade stressed that the competition’s focus extends far beyond mere physical appearance. “It will showcase the beauty that is on the line in you. Not just your physical beauty, but your character as a person. Your presentation, your courage,” he stated. He added that contestants are effectively declaring to the world, “I am beautiful on the inside as I’m also beautiful on the outside.”
He also provided an inspiring perspective on participation, encouraging contestants to remember the spirit of the Olympic Games: “It is not necessary to win, but to take part.” Regardless of the outcome, he urged the public to support the crowned winner to “carry them to stardom.”
Adding her voice to the pre-event buzz, contestant Miss Victoria Olatunji expressed her deep excitement at being “surrounded by so much beauty and culture.”
Miss Victoria outlined her aspiration to use the platform for youth empowerment.
“I want to inspire youths, especially young women, that they can aim for greatness and they have the opportunity to explore,” she explained. Her mission is to encourage young people to “improve on themselves” and always strive for greatness, irrespective of their background.
The much-anticipated grand finale, which will ultimately crown “the most beautiful Yoruba girl among the Yoruba,” is being driven by the event’s convener, Miss Olamide. Her leadership aims to ensure the pageant continues to uphold its core values of promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage, awarding educational scholarships, and empowering young women.
The MBYG is positioning itself not merely as a beauty contest, but as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and the display of exemplary character, reflecting the deep-seated belief that a person is defined by their body, soul, and spirit.
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