Princess Deborah Adetutu Akintokun has been crowned Miss Ilaje 2025/2026, pledging to complement government efforts in youth empowerment, girl-child advocacy, cultural preservation, and community development across Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In an exclusive interview with The Hope in Akure, Princess Akintokun lauded the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his people-centred leadership.
She described him as a compassionate leader whose administration has consistently demonstrated understanding and commitment to the development of Ilaje land and other riverine communities.
She commended the governor’s listening ear and inclusive governance style, praying that his administration would continue to achieve greater milestones in peace, infrastructural development, economic growth, and social stability across the state.
According to the new Miss Ilaje, the crown represents more than physical beauty. “The Miss Ilaje crown is not just about looks. It stands for responsibility, service, and cultural identity. It reflects the resilience of the Ilaje people, especially those in riverine and coastal areas who contribute meaningfully to Ondo State’s growth despite environmental and economic challenges,” she stated.
Princess Akintokun emphasized that the title embodies Ilaje’s rich maritime heritage, thriving fishing economy, communal values, and respect for traditional institutions. She added that wearing the crown is a call to represent the interests and dignity of the Ilaje people at all times.
The beauty queen encouraged youths, particularly young girls, to embrace education, skills acquisition, and self-development. She stressed that empowerment through knowledge remains critical for sustainable development in riverine communities.
As part of her vision, Miss Ilaje 2025/2026 pledged to champion initiatives that align with government programmes on girl-child education, vocational training, and youth mentorship, with a focus on underserved coastal areas.
She further disclosed plans to promote Ilaje cultural heritage through the preservation of the Ilaje language, traditional attire, music, dances, and festivals. She also intends to collaborate with cultural and tourism agencies to boost eco-tourism in the area.
Looking ahead, Princess Akintokun as a first class princess of Aganganjigan Omobuwa Ruling House of Mahin kingdom, sees herself as a partner in progress, working with traditional rulers, government institutions, NGOs and stakeholders to advance youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across Ilaje Local Government.
She described her emergence as Miss Ilaje as a collective achievement for the Ilaje nation, noting that the pageant was established to promote culture, intellectual excellence, and community engagement rather than mere entertainment.
Therefore, called for increased institutional, corporate, and government support to strengthen the Miss Ilaje platform as a tool for positive social impact and grassroots development. She specifically appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa, whom she described as a worthy ambassador of Ilaje heritage, to continue supporting initiatives in health, education, youth empowerment, and social welfare.
The Hope reports that the crowning event took place on 30th December 2025 at Williams Hall, Igbokoda, and attracted dignitaries and indigenes from across Ondo State, particularly sons and daughters of Ilaje Local Government.
The Hope
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