First Miss Nigeria’s brother demanded six pence for her participation
Beauty and intelligence are synonymous with millions of Nigerian women, and women with these qualities have, through beauty pageants, been getting world acclaim and reward.
The first of such women to be recognised as Miss Nigeria is Mrs Grace Tinuke Oyelude.
Oyelude was crowned as the face of young Nigerian women in 1957, three years before the country’s independence.
Born on November 16, 1931, Oyelude said she only got to know of her participation as the ‘most beautiful girl’ in the country through her younger brother, late William Oyelude.
William had applied for the contest on her behalf. He requested six pence from her to draw her attention to a publication on the acceptance.
Oyelude, a Kogi native who was born and raised in Kano, contested alongside one hundred and ninety-nine (199) other young women.
She was declared winner and was offered 200 pounds, a boutique of four dresses as well as a hairstyle, and a trip to England for two weeks.
She would later serve, in various capacities, as a nurse in several government hospitals for many years.
Mrs Grace Tinuke Oyelude has aged gracefully.
