Olaide Adesina tops 150,000 contestants to win Three Crowns Mum of the Year 2026

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Olaide Adesina has emerged as the winner of the Three Crowns Mum of the Year 2026 competition, clinching the coveted title and an all-expense-paid family trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, at the grand finale of the flagship wellness initiative organised by Three Crowns Milk, one of Nigeria’s leading dairy brands from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC.

The colourful event, held on Sunday at the Classique Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos, celebrated the extraordinary sacrifices, resilience and commitment of Nigerian mothers under the theme “Crowning Our Treasures.”

Now in its eighth edition, the Three Crowns Mum of the Year competition has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms dedicated to recognising and rewarding mothers whose inspiring stories and unwavering devotion continue to shape families and communities.

Adesina emerged victorious after an intense competition that began with over 150,000 valid entries submitted by mothers from across Nigeria.

Her inspiring story, determination and outstanding performance throughout the various stages of the competition earned her the prestigious crown.

Joining her on the winners’ podium were Omotola Ade-Onojobi and Hajara Omoniyi, who emerged as the first and second runners-up respectively.

The three winners, alongside two members of each of their families, received an all-expense-paid holiday to Zanzibar, a one-year supply of Three Crowns Milk products and shopping vouchers.

The other finalists—Akpan Chika Cindy, Edna Kangna’an and Rita Robert Joseph—were also rewarded with double-door refrigerators, a year’s supply of Three Crowns Milk products and cash prizes of ₦500,000 each in recognition of their inspiring participation.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s grand finale adopted an immersive theatre-style format that brought the personal journeys of the finalists to life through dramatic storytelling, music and captivating stage performances, creating an emotional atmosphere for guests.

Hosted by popular media personality Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie), the event kept guests on the edge of their seats as winners were announced in reverse order before an audience comprising families, consumers, business partners, stakeholders and members of the media.

The competition journey started with an independent review of over 150,000 entries before the ten most inspiring mothers advanced to the semi-final stage.

They subsequently canvassed for votes through Three Crowns’ social media platforms, with six finalists progressing to the grand finale.

At the final stage, contestants were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges including actress Chizzy Alichi Mbah, entrepreneur Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, Jamila Lawal, and fitness expert Ekerette Ekemini (Kemen Fitness).

Their evaluation focused on physical wellness, mental agility, emotional intelligence and family engagement.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Marketing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Maureen Ifada, described the initiative as the company’s way of appreciating Nigerian mothers for their invaluable contributions to family and national development.

She said that for more than a decade, the initiative had consistently celebrated women whose sacrifices often go unnoticed, adding that this year’s edition surpassed previous ones in both scale and emotional impact.

According to her, every mother who participated embodied the values that continue to inspire the brand’s commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of Nigerian mothers.

Also speaking, the Marketing Manager for Three Crowns Milk, Chioma Otisi-Igwe, said the event celebrated the everyday heroes whose love, resilience and sacrifices serve as the backbone of every successful family.

She noted that every story presented during the competition reinforced the importance of supporting mothers through good nutrition and healthy living, stressing that caring for mothers ultimately strengthens families and communities.

An emotional Olaide Adesina, while reacting to her victory, expressed gratitude to the organisers and dedicated the award to her children and millions of Nigerian mothers.

“I never imagined my story would bring me here. I entered this journey as an ordinary mum doing my best for my family, and tonight I stand crowned before Nigeria. This is for my children and for every mother out there giving her all every single day. Your sacrifice is seen, appreciated and truly matters,” she said.

Organisers reaffirmed that the Three Crowns Mum of the Year initiative remains a key pillar of the brand’s commitment to promoting healthy living, nutrition and wellness for Nigerian mothers.

They emphasised that beyond rewarding exceptional mothers, the programme seeks to inspire healthier lifestyles while recognising the indispensable role mothers play in raising healthier families and building stronger communities across Nigeria.