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 journalists on Saturday in Lagos.

She emphasised that Valentine should champion values, not materialism or unhealthy relationships.

“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.

“That was exactly the action of the man, Valentine, that we are proclaiming today, however, the celebration has often been misinterpreted and over-sexualised, especially among youths.

“Social pressure, materialism, and the urge to “belong” can push children and teenagers into unhealthy relationship which really needs to be addressed in homes, schools and religious places,” she said.

Ms Atewogbola noted that Valentine’s Day celebration had created an international impact, and so, should be focused on.

“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.

“On the positive side, Valentine’s Day promotes love, kindness, generosity, and appreciation. It encourages young people to express care for friends, family, and others around them.

“However, on the negative side, Valentine’s Day has become less about love and more about peer competition, societal validation, and premature exposure to adult experiences,” she said.

Queen Moremi Ajasoro is a cultural and leadership pageant organised by Ronke Ademiluyi- Ogunwusi, the wife of the Ooni of Ife.

(NAN)