There is no doubt that the winner of the first Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 1957, Grace Oyelude, is still a beautiful woman.
She turned 93 years old on Thursday, November 16, 2023, and it was a moment for the organisers of the pageant to come together with her family and friends to celebrate with her.
In her birthday wishes, the chairman of the pageant and actress, Rita Dominic, wrote on Instagram, “Wishing Mama Grace Oyelude, the very first Miss Nigeria, a very happy 93rd birthday.”
She also wished her sound health and all round wellness, and thanked God for the grace that had taken Oyelude till her current age, while praying that she would be granted strength to continue serving humanity.
The organisation also released a statement praising Oyelude’s courage, resolve, and great strength of character. It read, “We are immensely delighted to celebrate the evergreen beautiful and brave leader, 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.
“Thank you for paving the way and setting the standards that all Miss Nigeria queens walk through as well as your priceless contributions towards women empowerment.”
Oyelude was lauded for using her position to inspire young girls and women to attain their dreams, and in general, make contributions to humanity.
On his part, Fidelis Anosike, whose company, Folio Communications, owns Miss Nigeria, said, “Grace Oyelude is a mother par excellence and a trailblazer for women empowerment.”
Born on November 16, 1931 in Sabon Gari, Kano State, Oyelude competed with other ladies who numbered over 200, and won the maiden edition of Miss Nigeria in 1957, which had a prize of 200 pounds.
Recall that after about 16 years of organising the pageant, Anosike recently transferred the responsibility to The Audrey Silva Company, which is owned by his wife – Rita Dominic and a filmmaker, Mildred Okwo.
The company is already making plans to hold the 2024 edition of the pageant in the first quarter of next year.
