Grace Oyelude became the first Miss Nigeria
when it commenced in 1957. Back then it was a photo contest and
contestants were asked to send photographs
of themselves to Daily Times headquarters in
Lagos where finalists were shortlisted.
Successful finalists were afterwards invited to
compete in the live final at the Lagos Island
Club. At that time, the Miss Nigeria contest
did not include a swimsuit competition.
Oyelude was working at United African
Company (UAC) when she represented the
then Northern region. She won £200 and used
part of it to travel to England to study nursing
at Royal College of Nursing, England.