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Nene Etule: The 1959 Miss Nigeria Who Made History as the Only Non-Nigerian Winner

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How an 18-year-old from Southern Cameroons became a beauty queen under Nigeria’s constitution and embarked on a remarkable international journey

The Crowning of a Trailblazer

In 1959, a young woman named Nene Etule made history when she was crowned Miss Nigeria, becoming the third titleholder since the pageant began in 1957. At just 18 years old, Etule stood out not only for her beauty and poise but also for being the only non-Nigerian ever to win the prestigious national contest.

At the time, Southern Cameroons — her place of origin — was under the Nigerian constitution and administration, making her eligible to compete. This unique historical circumstance enabled her to represent both regions in a way that transcended borders and captured the spirit of unity between Nigeria and Southern Cameroons before their eventual separation.

A Journey from Cameroons to Global Recognition

Following her victory, Nene Etule’s win was widely celebrated across Nigeria and Southern Cameroons. Her grace and intelligence quickly caught the attention of media houses, particularly the Lagos Daily Times, which organised the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant.

As part of her prize, Etule embarked on a U.S. goodwill tour, sponsored by the Daily Times. She was photographed arriving at New York’s International Airport, elegantly dressed and smiling — an image that remains one of the most iconic representations of Nigerian pageant history in the pre-independence era.

Her visit was not just ceremonial; it symbolised the growing international presence of Nigerian and West African women on global platforms. Etule’s U.S. tour included public appearances, media interviews, and cultural exchanges aimed at promoting the image of a young, modern Nigeria on the verge of independence.

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Southern Cameroons and Nigeria: A Shared Colonial Past

Nene Etule’s eligibility for the Miss Nigeria crown stemmed from the political union between Nigeria and the British-administered Southern Cameroons, which lasted from 1916 until 1961. Under British trusteeship, Southern Cameroons was administered as part of Eastern Nigeria, allowing its citizens to participate in Nigerian political, social, and cultural life — including national competitions such as Miss Nigeria.

Etule’s win in 1959 thus stands as a significant cultural footnote in the shared history of Nigeria and present-day Cameroon, highlighting a period when the two regions functioned under one administrative framework.

Life Beyond the Crown

After her reign as Miss Nigeria, Nene Etule continued to live a life that reflected elegance, intellect, and diplomacy. She later married Late Pen Malaga, who served as the Director of the United Nations Information Services in Nigeria. Her husband’s distinguished career in international communication complemented her own legacy as a figure of grace and cultural significance.

Though much of her later life remains private, her story continues to be referenced in discussions about beauty, identity, and the early history of Nigerian pageantry. Etule remains an enduring figure in Nigerian cultural memory — not only as a beauty queen but also as a symbol of historical unity and shared heritage.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Nene Etule’s story goes beyond the glamour of the Miss Nigeria title. It reflects a complex colonial past, a moment of unity, and the emergence of African women into public life during a time of rapid political change.

Her win in 1959 predated Nigeria’s independence by just one year, making her reign part of a transformative period when the nation was asserting its identity on the global stage. Etule’s participation — and victory — represented inclusivity and cross-cultural connection at a time when national boundaries were still being defined.

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Today, her name is often mentioned alongside early Miss Nigeria winners such as Grace Oyelude (1957) and Helen Anyamaeluna (1958), yet her story stands apart for its geopolitical and cultural significance.

Nene Etule’s victory as Miss Nigeria in 1959 remains one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of the pageant. As the only non-Nigerian to hold the crown, she embodies a period when Nigeria and Southern Cameroons shared aspirations, culture, and identity under one colonial administration. Her international tour, elegance, and symbolic reign continue to inspire admiration decades later, serving as a reminder that history often finds its voice in the most unexpected figures.

References

Daily Times (1959 Archives) – Coverage of Miss Nigeria and Nene Etule’s U.S. tour

Nigerian Nostalgia Project – Historical records of the Miss Nigeria Pageant

Vanguard News: History of Miss Nigeria Pageant (2021)

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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16 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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