The Soweto-born model and reigning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has proclaimed she is now a proud Nigerian as she celebrates the West African country’s Independence Day.
Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in August following her withdrawal from South Africa’s most popular beauty pageant, Miss South Africa.
The 22-year-old beauty queen sparked a lot of online debates and controversies when she entered the Miss SA beauty pageant, with many South Africans vehemently against her participation in the pageant of her name, which sounded Nigerian.
The matters escalated further leading to an investigation by Home Affairs, who ultimately found prima facie evidence that her mother may have committed identity theft and fraud during her birth.
However, after her withdrawal from Miss SA, Adetshina got invited by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisers to participate in their beauty pageant, which she accepted.
Days leading to the Miss Universe Nigeria finale, many South Africans rallied behind her and supported her throughout her journey of the beauty pageant.
Netizens even voted for her in numbers and Adetshina quickly led with almost 20,000 votes, a few days away from the Miss Universe Nigeria finale.
Since winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Adetshina has been on a journey of discovery in the country of her father, meeting many stakeholders and making public appearances.
Adetshina shared an Instagram post celebrating Nigeria's Independence day and captioned her post:
“Happy New Month. Nigeria at 64. As a new Miss Universe Nigeria I embody the nation rich in cultural diversity, deep-rooted historical heritage and unwavering resilience.
“Independence Day is not just a day to celebrate our freedom, it is a day to showcase our unity, love, harmony and strength as a nation.
“Let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our nation and the freedom we enjoy. May we continue to uphold the principles of unity and diversity that makes our nation so great.”
After she was welcomed with open arms in Nigeria, some Nigerians were not happy with her winning because they felt as though they made her win by trying to spite South Africans.
Many stated that it was not fair for the other contestants who auditioned and went through all the rigorous training, just for Adetshina to be handed the title, a few weeks before the finale.
Despite the online controversies, Adetshina will be partcipating in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico City in November.
IOL