Chidimma Adetshina, a model of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, has announced her participation in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant following her controversial withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition.
The announcement comes on the heels of her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, where she had been a Top 11 finalist.
Adetshina, who resides in South Africa, stepped down from the Miss South Africa contest amid intense scrutiny over her nationality and concerns for her family’s safety.
Her exit from the South African pageant was prompted by allegations from the South African Department of Home Affairs against her mother, who was accused of fraud and identity theft, which led to concerns for the safety of Adetshina and her family
The controversy began when Adetshina, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, faced social media attacks that questioned her eligibility for the Miss South Africa title despite meeting all the competition’s requirements.
She however announced her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition last Thursday.
In a statement, she expressed gratitude for the support she received but emphasized that her decision was driven by concerns for her family’s safety.
“I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I,” Adetshina stated
Despite the setback, Adetshina confirmed her acceptance of an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant.
In a video making the round on Wednesday, she expressed excitement about the opportunity to represent Nigeria, her father’s homeland, on such a prestigious platform.
“I express my gratitude to the incredible people who have shown me so much love and so much support. I have received an invitation from an organiser of the Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant,” Adetshina said.
“This is a great excitement because I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant… I am looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant – Miss Universe Nigeria.”
Adetshina’s decision to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria has gained support, particularly among Nigerians who had previously expressed outrage over the backlash she faced in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Adetshina’s withdrawal from Miss SA has also raised questions about the outcome of the competition, especially the victory of Mia Le Roux, a contestant born to white parents, who emerged victorious over nine predominantly black finalists.
After Miss SA Withdrawal, Chidimma Adetshina To Participate In Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper