Chidimma Adetshina now Miss Nigeria 2024

Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student from Soweto, South Africa, has made headlines for transitioning from a rejected contestant in Miss South Africa 2024 to a prominent participant in Miss Nigeria 2024. Adetshina, who has both South African and Nigerian citizenship, was forced to withdraw from the South African pageant in early August after facing intense xenophobic backlash due to her Nigerian heritage.

The backlash included social media harassment and accusations from the South African Department of Home Affairs alleging fraud and identity theft. This hostility stemmed from critics questioning her legitimacy to compete in Miss South Africa due to her Nigerian father.

After her withdrawal, Adetshina was invited to join the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, which will see its winner represent Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, at Miss Universe in Mexico later this year. This opportunity came as a second chance for Adetshina, who has expressed her pride in her dual heritage and her determination to succeed.

In Lagos, where the competition is set to culminate this weekend, Adetshina has been welcomed by her fellow contestants. Chioma Ogbonna, a contestant from Plateau State, emphasized the importance of unity and mutual support, while other participants such as Esther Gabriel and Ufa Dania have shared their own experiences with discrimination and their hopes for empowerment through the pageant.

Adetshina’s story highlights ongoing issues of xenophobia and the role of beauty pageants in promoting inclusivity and diversity. As she prepares for the final competition, her journey symbolizes resilience and the pursuit of dreams despite adversity.