By Our Reporter
Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024, has announced her departure from the pageantry world to focus on her passions for education and acting. She is also relocating to Nigeria after enduring controversy and xenophobic attacks in South Africa over her dual citizenship.
Adetshina, born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, faced criticism when she participated in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant due to her Nigerian heritage. Although she withdrew from the competition, she later represented Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, making history as the first runner-up and becoming the highest-ranked African contestant.
A Journey Marked by Controversy and Triumph
Adetshina’s dual citizenship sparked heated debates, culminating in accusations of nationality fraud by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, which investigated her mother’s citizenship. The ensuing xenophobic backlash made her experience in pageantry deeply challenging. Reflecting on this, Adetshina described her journey as traumatic and emphasized the importance of prioritizing her well-being.
Despite these challenges, her representation of Nigeria at Miss Universe not only earned her the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania but also cemented her status as a trailblazer for African women on the global stage.
New Beginnings in Nigeria
Adetshina’s move to Nigeria marks the beginning of a new chapter. She expressed gratitude to Nigerians and Africans for supporting her throughout her journey, stating that their encouragement helped her turn setbacks into comebacks. Now, she is excited to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry, particularly in acting and modeling, with aspirations to make her mark in Nollywood and beyond.
Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2024: A Vision for Change
As Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2024, Adetshina has committed to using her platform to address key issues across Africa and the Oceania region. Her goals include:
1. Empowering women and girls through education and economic initiatives.
2. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Africa and Oceania.
3. Advocating for health, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Mixed Reactions in South Africa
While Adetshina’s reign extends to South Africa, it has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that her choice to represent Nigeria disqualifies her from fully representing South Africa as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania. Some have accused her of cultural appropriation and questioned her allegiance to South Africa, using hashtags like #NotMyQueen and #ChidimmaDoesNotRepresentUs to express their discontent.
However, Adetshina has responded with