Lagos: Iyanuoluwa Atewogbola, winner of Queen Moremi Ajasoro 2024/2025, has urged the youth to focus on building character, cultivating love, and engaging in the things that truly matter as they celebrate Valentine’s Day. The beauty queen spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Atewogbola emphasised that Valentine should champion values, not materialism or unhealthy relationships. She stated, “When the concept of this celebration is properly taught, it reinforces values such as compassion, selflessness, and emotional connection, which are essential for healthy relationships and nation building.”
Atewogbola highlighted that the original actions of Saint Valentine, whom the celebration honors, are often misinterpreted and over-sexualised, particularly among youths. She expressed concern over social pressure, materialism, and the desire to belong, which can lead young people into unhealthy relationships, urging that such issues need to be addressed in homes, schools, and religious institutions.
She also pointed out that Valentine’s Day has created an international impact, stressing the importance of understanding and guiding the celebration. Atewogbola noted, “I believe Valentine’s Day has made both positive and negative impacts on our youths and children, it all depends on how the celebration is understood and guided.”
Atewogbola elaborated on the positive aspects of the celebration, which include promoting love, kindness, generosity, and appreciation, encouraging young people to express care for friends, family, and others. Conversely, she mentioned the negative side, pointing out that Valentine’s Day has shifted away from love and has become more about peer competition, societal validation, and premature exposure to adult experiences.