Princess Adedolapo Patricia Aragun Ogunoye is a Cultural Ambassador, Artist, Entrepreneur, Musician and Content Creator. She is from Ogunoye Royal Family in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Adedolapo was Miss Oronshen 2024, Face of Valentine Nigeria Top Model 2018, and first runner-up Miss Olgasu 2019. She is the Lead, Owo Indigenous Food Project, which is focused on showcasing the beauty of Owo’s food culture. Adedolapo is also offering tutorials on how to cook Owo delicacies.
She speaks to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher, Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable
Excerpts:
Why acting?
Interestingly, I do many things out of which acting is one of them. I am an entrepreneur, content creator, musician, and other things that have to do with entertainment.
Can you mention some movie series where you have featured?
I featured in okirika series. I have also featured in many skits with Prophet Ayo Ajewole of IPM. I am well known for my comic acts
How did you feel when you became the first runner- up of Miss Olgasu 2019?
I felt great, though I thought I would win the crown. All the same, I was happy to be the first runner- up of Miss Olgasu 2019
What went through your mind when you won Miss Oronshen 2024?
Joy was all over me, because it was mission accomplished. I put a lot of efforts into the competition, used a lot of outfits, costumes; beads and other items just to be a perfect representative of the culture of Owo land. Throughout the audition process, I made extra efforts, not to dress in any other form than the way our people have been dressing for centuries. I also had to make more research on the history of Owo people. Therefore, winning Miss Oronshen 2024, gave me immense joy and sense of fulfillment that my effort was not in vain.
What prompted the Owo indigenous food project?
After a thorough reflection and research, I noticed our foods were not on social media, as a matter of fact, it’s like our foods are not eaten outside of Owo land. Once some of our people leave home, they forget our foods, particular those living abroad. It is the same thing with many Owo indigenes living in cities and big towns across Nigeria. I also noticed that many of our people abroad and even within Nigeria have never visited home, not to talk of knowing how our foods are prepared. When the thought to start the project first came, I ignored it, but after some time, I told myself that I have to start, and that was it. The idea is for Owo indigenes wherever they may be across the globe to know our foods and how to cook them
Would you say the project has made any impact?
Yes it has recorded modest successes going by the reason the project was initiated. Now, let me explain. My aim is to make sure our foods and how to cook them are on all social media platforms, which has happened. Secondly, to teach everyone how to prepare Owo meals, which I am already doing and getting encouraging feedback My third mission is to bring out the beauty of our culture. That is also happening now because some of the contents I have pushed out on social media have gone viral. I am excited about that. People are reaching out to get the ingredients, and they are now cooking and eating our foods.
What type of support do you need to take the project to the next level?
I need more publicity and this requires funds. There are some channels and platforms I need to use to publicize this project so that it can reach wider audience across the globe, but I can’t do that yet because I don’t have the funds. Besides, I still have a lot of video shootings to do and this require a lot of money. Lastly I’m working on how to make the purchase of the ingredients for these foods easier like buying them from the farmers and packaging then well for sale .This will help people that are not based in Nigeria get it shipped to their locations with ease.
What is your message to young ladies out there?
To all young ladies, I will like to tell you that you are powerful beyond measure, beautiful beyond description, and capable of more than you imagine. Never let the world’s noise drown out your inner voice. Guard your values, chase your dreams relentlessly, and remember that grace and strength can live in the same heart. Your journey will have storms, but each challenge will only shape you into the woman you are meant to be. Keep your head high, your faith strong, and your purpose clear because you are destined for greatness.
