The organisers of Miss Nigeria have celebrated Grace Atinuke Oyelude, the first-ever winner of the beauty pageant, on her 93rd birthday.

Oyelude will turn 93 today, Thursday, November 16, 2023.

She won the maiden edition of the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 1957.

In an Instagram post, Miss Nigeria Organization celebrated Oyelude describing her as evergreen beauty and brave leader.

“We are immensely delighted to celebrate the evergreen beauty and brave leader, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, on the occasion of her 93rd birthday. Her courage, resolve, and great strength of character are excellent qualities that have endeared her to us and many others.

“Happy birthday, once again, to the very first Miss Nigeria, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude.

“Thank you for pavering the way and setting the standards that all Miss Nigeria Queens walk through as well as your priceless contributions towards women empowerment,” the post reads.

Earlier, Fidelis Anosike, the chairman of Folio Communication and owner of Miss Nigeria 1957, said Oyelude is “a mother par excellence and a trailblazer for women empowerment”.


Oyelude was born on November 16, 1931, in Sabon Gari, Kano to James and Martha Oyelude.

She contested with over 200 other Nigerian ladies and won the top prize. She would later use part of her 200 pounds prize money to travel to England, where she studied nursing.

She worked briefly in England before returning to Nigeria to serve in various capacities.

Anosike had recently transferred the production of the Miss Nigeria Pageant to The Audrey Silva Company (TASC), owned by his wife, Rita Dominic, and Mildred Okwo.