Founder of My Heritage My Pride, an indigenous cultural beauty pageant, and convener of Our Lagos, Your Lagos, Idris Aregbe, speaks with KEMI LANRE-AREMU about the 11-year-old pageant and his passion for youths

What prompted you to establish an indigenous pageant?

The Sisi Oge pageant was borne out of my love for the African continent and its rich heritage. I felt it was only proper that we develop a medium through which we promote our local customs and traditions. I was not really impressed with what had been done to promote our culture and I felt that more could be done and in a better way. I felt there was a need to add colour to how our culture was being portrayed to the rest of the world. I did not want to be part of those who just sit and complain; I had to make an input and that was how Sisi Oge was born. People often ask why I choose to do an indigenous pageant, and I always tell them that the essence of pageantry goes beyond showing off beautiful looks. I made a decision to introduce a pageant that would do all of these and more. With the Sisi Oge brand, we have been able to raise cultural ambassadors as well as export our culture. I thank God that despite the challenges we have encountered over the years, My Heritage My Pride and Sisi Oge is now in its 11th year and we are breaking more frontiers and creating structures. I am particularly pleased at the way it has impacted the youth. The pageant has empowered several young ladies, because whenever they participate in the pageant, they are taught many life skills. I am glad that I am able to and will continue to contribute my quota to society because transformation is a journey not a destination. I haven’t gotten to where I am going yet; I am still moving.



Sisi Oge has produced several queens from different tribes in Nigeria. Why are you yet to host an edition of the pageant in a state other than Lagos?

This brings us to the question as to why many projects in Nigeria fail. This is a brand that has a vision and direction. The most important thing to us is not the location or the venue but rather what we are promoting and why we are doing it. We have gotten invites from different states but what is paramount to us is not moving outside Lagos but rather to continue in this upright direction and above all, Lagos State has been helpful in sustaining this laudable initiative.

Why do you think youths are afraid to speak out against issues affecting them?

The coming together with one voice is one of the major challenges that the youth face today. Instead of coming together to address a common problem, the youth of nowadays would rather address individual issues. We need to understand that generational shift does not happen in one year and until Nigerian youths understand that we must suspend our personal interest, we might not be able to fight for what is duly ours.

Why do youths prioritise money?

That is what the leaders have sold to them. If you replace the current crop of elected politicians with youths, the latter won’t do any better because they have been sold a wrong ideology. I am propelled by my love for the arts and culture. To do all that I do, I have created several businesses, such that even if I don’t get support from outside, my businesses will help me to achieve my goals.

You seem to be very passionate about rewriting the story of Nigerian youths. Aside from being a youth, what else drives this passion?

I understand that in life, you need to contribute and add value to whatever you meet on the ground. Let people know why you are here, why you came and why they need you.



Aside from Sisi Oge, in what other ways are you adding value to society?

I am not just a pageant organiser; I promote several other things that depict the authentic African culture. I am also the convener of ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos’.

What is the vision of ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos’?

We are saying that Lagos belongs to everybody and we must continue to build Lagos together. Some of the ways by which we are spreading the word is through a project for children called ‘Connecting Smiles’. At the end of every year, we also organise a music and message concert. We noticed that Nigerians are getting tired of seminars; so, we decided to seek other avenues to sell the vision to them in a relaxed atmosphere. We believe that for the love of Lagos, we all have a part to play in making Lagos work.

Why is your focus Lagos and not Nigeria?

Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of Africa. Lagos is the home to all. Lagos is a city that accommodates all. Lagos is me and I am also Lagos. I believe so much in the city that has given me so much today and I also owe my state my best contribution. I am also urging every Lagosian to stand out and give their best contribution to the state that gives them reason to excel.

The youth have been accused of not seeking elective positions. Is that the case or is it that the present crop of leaders is not giving the youth a chance?

I disagree with that notion because a lot of things need to be corrected among the youth. If we think that our leaders are bad, a lot of youths are not better.

What solution can you proffer to this issue?

We must get things right. We need to understand that as youths, we must be able to encourage dialogue. We must present ourselves in the best manner possible.

Why haven’t you indicated interest in any political office?

Being a political office holder will come at the right time. A political office holder is supposed to grow society and this is what I do every day of my life. Some of my political mentors include Asiwaju BolaTinubu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

What is your take on the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill?

It is a very good one, but are youths ready to take charge? Do we have credible youths who can bring about the change we all desire? The concept is a fantastic one but the problem is that the youth of today are quite corrupt and not prepared to take charge. This can be blamed on the bad leadership they have experienced over the years.

What do you think the government can do to change the narrative of youths in Nigeria?

We don’t have to wait for the government to change our narrative. We have to start working on that by ourselves. Youths need to see themselves as leaders of tomorrow and not just because everybody is saying it. We need to understand political offices are not about show-off but about true service to the people We need to be able define our purpose. Before we aspire to be governors, senate president and other high offices, we need to be prepared. Nigerians don’t like to prepare and that is why we have a lot of half-baked professionals in the country. We should understand that what worked for Mr. A might not work for Mr. B.

While growing up, we were made to understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. If heaven will only help those who help themselves, is it our leaders that will help those who don’t help themselves? We should stop being crazy about money and fame. Instead, we should place more emphasis on the value that a person can bring.

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