Esther Oluwatosin Ajayi, Miss Earth Nigeria 2022 and founder of XBEM and the XBEM Foundation, is steadily carving a legacy defined by humanitarian service, youth empowerment, and environmental advocacy, as her long-held vision for vulnerable children begins to take concrete shape.
Ajayi, who represented Nigeria at the Miss Earth World Pageant in Manila, Philippines, emerged among the Top 12 finalists globally an achievement that elevated her profile and strengthened her commitment to sustainability, community development, and social responsibility.
“Winning the crown was only the beginning,” she said. “The real work started when I returned home.”
Beyond pageantry, Ajayi’s journey into empowerment began in 2017 with the establishment of XBEM (Xterberry Entertainment and Modeling Ltd), an entertainment and talent development company focused on grooming young creatives for the film, fashion, and music industries. Through structured training, mentorship, and industry exposure, XBEM has helped prepare emerging talents with the professionalism and discipline required to succeed in the competitive entertainment space.
However, Ajayi’s vision extended beyond talent development. In 2022, following her return to Nigeria and alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she launched the XBEM Foundation (Xterberry Empowerment and Mission Foundation), the humanitarian arm of XBEM Ltd.
The foundation was created to provide care, protection, and opportunities for children aged six months to 18 years who have lost parental care through death or abandonment. According to Ajayi, the initiative was born out of a deeply personal dream to establish an orphanage an idea she was often told was unrealistic.
“Our mission is simple,” she said. “Shelter. Food. Education. Protection. Dignity. Hope while promoting environmental sustainability.”
Since its inception, the XBEM Foundation has carried out several outreach programmes across Lagos and beyond, including youth empowerment initiatives at the University of Lagos, food and welfare distribution in Makoko, girl-child empowerment programmes in Surulere, community outreaches in Bariga, and large-scale empowerment events in Epe.
In 2023, the foundation recorded a major milestone with the acquisition of land in Ibadan, Oyo State, signalling the first tangible step towards establishing a permanent home for vulnerable children. This was followed in 2024 by the acquisition of another parcel of land in Epe, Lagos State, where the foundation hosted its official launch and end-of-year community celebration.
The year 2025 marked a significant turning point. With the support of its key partner, Le Dynasty Acres Ranch, the XBEM Foundation secured all required legal and regulatory approvals and commenced construction on the Epe site.
According to the foundation, the development represents more than a physical structure it is a commitment to building a future where disadvantaged children can access education, stability, and hope.
Ajayi credited the progress to strategic partnerships, volunteers, and donors who have contributed funds and resources to the cause.
“What started as a personal vision has become a collective mission,” she noted.
As construction continues, the XBEM Foundation says it remains focused on expanding its impact, reinforcing Ajayi’s belief that dreams once deemed impossible can, with persistence and purpose, become lasting legacies of service.
