Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty pageant contestant, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria after a notable journey marked by challenges surrounding her nationality. The event, held in Lagos, secures her position as Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this November.
Adetshina’s rise in the pageantry world came after her departure from the Miss South Africa competition, where she faced xenophobic backlash online. Questions about her eligibility in South Africa emerged due to her background—she was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican heritage. Following her exit, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in Nigeria’s national pageant, where organizers emphasized the opportunity for her to represent her paternal roots on a global stage.
After her victory, Adetshina expressed her aspirations for African unity through a heartfelt statement on social media, calling for the breakdown of divisive barriers and advocating for a continent where all Africans can thrive without prejudice. She described her crown not only as a symbol of beauty but as a platform to inspire peaceful coexistence and collective growth across Africa.
Meanwhile, South African authorities continue to investigate her citizenship status, citing potential identity fraud related to her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001. While Adetshina has been absolved of any responsibility, as she was an infant at the time, the situation remains under review.
