Chidimma Adetshina, the representative of Taraba State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 after defeating 24 other contestants in a hotly contested pageant held in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Her victory comes after a tumultuous journey that saw her withdraw from the Miss Universe South Africa competition due to a citizenship controversy that sparked heated debates across social media platforms in both South Africa and Nigeria.
Adetshina, who initially competed in the Miss Universe South Africa contest, faced severe backlash from South African citizens, who questioned her eligibility to represent the country. Although she qualified for the competition as a South African by birth, her citizenship was later disputed by the South African Home Office, which claimed her identity was linked to a case of stolen identity. This revelation forced Adetshina to pull out of the South African contest, leading to her invitation to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Despite the controversy, Adetshina’s journey to the crown was far from smooth, with online supporters of Miss Kwara, Ufa Dania, rallying in opposition to her candidacy. Fan voting, an integral part of the competition that determines which contestants advance to the top 10, saw a surge in support for Dania, a 25-year-old plus-sized model whose groundbreaking presence in the pageant drew widespread attention. Dania’s supporters, particularly from South Africa, made a concerted effort on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to ensure her victory.
However, Adetshina’s poise, eloquence, and determination ultimately secured her the Miss Universe Nigeria crown. Upon receiving her crown, she expressed her gratitude and emphasized the importance of unity in her victory. “I feel amazing. This crown is not just for beauty, but a call for action, and that action is unity,” she said.
The newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria now faces the daunting task of representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico this November. Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts and Culture, was among those who presented a flower bouquet to Adetshina, pledging the government’s full support to ensure she makes the nation proud on the global stage.
The Miss Universe pageant is an internationally recognized beauty contest that celebrates the diversity of women from around the world. It serves as a platform for young women to share their stories, showcase their talents, and advocate for social causes. Winners of the Miss Universe title take on the role of global ambassadors, engaging in humanitarian work and promoting various social issues.
This year’s Miss Universe Nigeria competition was particularly noteworthy due to the controversies surrounding Adetshina’s participation. Her eventual victory sets the stage for a potentially groundbreaking appearance at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.
