The NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, once again came alive on Tuesday night as the National Youth Service Corps, Ondo State staged the dazzling Miss Big, Bold and Beautiful Beauty pageant for 2025 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) corps members.
The highly anticipated event, which commenced at exactly 8:40 p.m., was more than a beauty contest but a radiant celebration of confidence.
Declaring the pageant open on behalf of the State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, the Camp Director, Pastor (Mrs.) Jennifer Funmilola Dawodu, described the event as a platform that amplifies inner strength, body positivity and the value of uniqueness amongst young women.
“As a Scheme committed to youth development and personal empowerment, the NYSC is proud to create opportunities like this that foster self-expression and dignity" she said, addressing an enthusiastic crowd.
The event featured electrifying solo musical performances and inspiring talent displays that kept the energy high. The contestants later graced the stage in full 6/7 NYSC uniforms, exuding elegance, pride and poise.
A question and answer session followed, where contestants tackled questions on NYSC life, national development and social awareness with eloquence and confidence.
After a thrilling contest, Folorunsho Adeola Gloria of Platoon 5 was crowned Miss BBB 2025, capturing both the judges’ and audience’s hearts. Oluleke Eligadol Esther of Platoon 1 and Usoro Victoria Pius of Platoon 7 secured the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, in a closely fought finale.
The evening ended with applause and admiration, not only for the winners but for every contestant who boldly embraced the spotlight and embodied the true essence of beauty and self-belief.
DRAMA MEETS DIALOGUE AS NYSC ONDO CHAMPIONS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONGST CORPS MEMBERS
In an innovative move to promote mental health awareness, the National Youth Service Corps, Ondo State, on Tuesday hosted a thought-provoking sensitisation programme for the 2025 Batch 'A' (Stream 1) corps members, transforming the orientation camp into a stage for expression, education and empowerment.
The programme, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, took the shape of an inter-platoon playlet competition. Five representatives from each platoon used creative drama to communicate vital messages on mental health, fostering both engagement and enlightenment amongst their peers.
Declaring the event open, the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare charged the corps members to approach the exercise with open mind and compassionate hearts.
In her words, 'As young leaders and future nation builders, it is vital that you understand the importance of mental health and emotional well-being, this initiative is not only to inform and educate but to inspire open dialogue and eliminate the uncertainties surrounding mental health issues'.
The Coordinator praised the creativity of deploying performing arts to address mental wellness, highlighting it as a reflection of the scheme's commitment to youth development, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement.
She also urged participants to carry the lessons beyond the competition, championing awareness and empathy in their various host communities after the orientation course .
The Chief Judge of the competition, Mr. Simeon Bankole defined mental health as 'a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realize their potentials and contribute meaningfully to the society'.
He described it as a fundamental human right, emphasizing its centrality to social and economic progress.
Bankole further drew attention to how global crises, such as climate change, are intensifying mental health challenges globally. He therefore called on Corps members to adopt a positive approach and resilience.
Another speaker, Mr. Eseigbe Blessed from Heart 2 Care Home Care, delivered an impactful message encouraging corps members to speak up during difficult times. He warned against internalizing stress or turning to harmful coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, or gambling, stressing that mental health struggles should be met with professional support and open dialogue.
He disclosed that mental health is not only about madness or visible breakdowns. It includes conditions like anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. 'It is about how we think, feel and act'.
He advised corps members to take advantage of the camp’s guidance and counselling services when overwhelmed and to always protect the confidentiality of peers who confide in them.
In a twist that empowered creativity, corps members were granted the liberty to choose their own mental health themes for the dramatic presentations, resulting in diverse, moving and insightful performances.
After a spirited contest, Platoon 4 emerged as the winner, closely followed by Platoon 2 in second place and Platoon 1 in third place.
The consolation prizes were presented by Head, Camp Clinic, Mr. Kehinde Lawal and Team Lead, NYSC Southwest Area Office 1, Mr. Olaoluwa Aiyelagbe while the Camp Director, Pastor (Mrs) Jennifer Funmilola Dawodu and the Resident Officer 1, Mrs. Pauline Odey joined the State Coordinator to present cash awards to the representatives of the best three platoons.
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