Chidimma Adetshina’s journey to being crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 has been unconventional through no real fault of her own, but it has been a remarkable one for the Soweto-born beauty queen.
The Adetshina story has gripped the Nigerians and South Africans for weeks, fuelling inter-continental social media twars and silly ride requesting between Mzansi and Naija netizens.
Adetshina, once billed as a favourite for the Miss South Africa 2024 crown, was forced to withdraw after Home Affairs found prima facie evidence that her mother may have allegedly committed identity fraud. The investigation came after persistent pressure from South African netizens, which lasted weeks.
Of course, amid the brewing storm over her participation, Miss Universe Nigeria invited her to take part in the competition as her father is Nigerian. She obliged, travelled to Nigeria for the first time in 20 years and emerged as the winner comfortably on Saturday night.
After Adetshina’s crowning moment in Nigeria, IOL reflects on some of the highlights from ‘Chi Chi’s’ crowning moment as Miss Universe Nigeria.
Two beauty pageants and one win
When over 100 contestants from around the world meet in Mexico City for the Miss Universe pageant in November, not many of the contestants would have played a prominent role in two different countries pageants.
Adetshina is perhaps the first beauty queen to participate in two major beauty pageants in two different African countries, in one year.
For Adetshina, this is a historic moment, not only to restore her dignity, but also making her victory a historic moment in the pageant world. She said her reign as Miss Universe Nigeria would be about unity.
The dazzling outfits
Adetshina’s opening number was cultural wear, which was a black bodysuit accessorised with gold items such as gold boots and gold wings which made the look come together as a representative of Taraba State.
Swimwear followed and she wore a neon yellow swimwear costume which complemented her skin tone very well.
For the last outfit, Adetshina wore a yellow and red gown with crystals that completed the look.
Mzansi support
Not only did South Africans show their support for Adetshina by voting for her, but many South Africans also showed their support in numbers on YouTube during the Miss Universe Nigeria live stream.
The live stream had more than 13,000 people watching, with South Africans dominating the live chat.
Many comments were about supporting Adetshina on her big night and life changing moment.
There were sections of the South African support that backed plus size Miss Kwara and ensured she made it to the top 10, but mostly, many were happy for Adetshina and followed her journey to the end.
Despite the controversy that surrounded Adetshina, South Africans supported her in numbers by voting for her which made her gain an advantage to be in the top 10 of the competition without the judges choosing her.
Chidimma’s crowning Q&A
All the Top 5 contestants at Miss Universe Nigeria were presented with an opportunity to answer a question.
The 23-year-old was posed with the question how does she balance personal ambition with the needs of others in her life?
Adetshina responded: “How I do it is obviously by motivating myself because the people around me will be inspired by me.
“And I know that I have a powerful story and I know that I am inspiring people, I am empowering people.
“And I know that my story has made an impact, not only on my life but on so many people’s lives”.
Tears of joy
On Saturday night, August 31, after the first runner-up was announced, and the victory for Adetshina setting in, the beauty queen was in shock as she got crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
It was a big moment for her as she finally triumphed, at long last.
Adetshina and the likes of Miss South Africa Mia le Roux, are expected to compete for the Miss Universe crown in Mexico City in November.
IOL