Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, representing Taraba State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 in a remarkable journey marked by resilience and triumph. Her victory was officially announced in a video posted by Africa Fact Zone on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night.
Adetshina, who will represent Nigeria on the global stage in Mexico this November, expressed in her acceptance speech that her win is a symbol of unity. “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” she stated.
Her path to the crown was not without challenges. Earlier this year, Adetshina had withdrawn from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant following intense criticism and threats. The backlash stemmed from her being born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, with her eligibility being questioned by some South Africans. Despite being a naturalised South African, the hostility forced her to step down.
Recognizing her potential and the struggles she faced, Guy Murray-Bruce, National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited Adetshina to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. In the lead-up to the competition, she expressed her excitement about reconnecting with her Nigerian roots, saying, “It’s been 20 years since I’ve been here, so I just want to get to know more about Nigeria’s culture and where I really come from.”
The Miss Universe Nigeria camp officially commenced on August 24, 2024, with 24 contestants arriving at the iconic Festival Hotel in Festac, Lagos. This pageant, a spin-off from the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria competition, was established in 2023 by Silverbird Communications.
Chidimma Adetshina’s victory not only marks her return to her cultural heritage but also stands as a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.
