By Ajide Muminat and Habeeb Ibrahim
Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who once faced rejection in South Africa, has now been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, marking a remarkable journey of resilience, cultural exploration, and acceptance.
Earlier this year, the 23-year-old law student entered the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant, hoping to represent her country on the international stage. However, her participation sparked controversy due to her heritage—born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother.
Despite being a naturalized South African, critics questioned her eligibility, leading to intense backlash and even threats against her and her family. Under mounting pressure, Adetshina withdrew from the competition, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging in a diverse society.
However, her story took a positive turn when Guy Murray-Bruce, the National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited her to participate in the Nigerian pageant.
This invitation offered Adetshina a chance to reconnect with her Nigerian roots and explore a culture she had not fully known. Expressing her desire to learn more about Nigeria and win the crown, she emphasized that her journey was about embracing her heritage and finding acceptance in her father’s homeland.
On August 31, 2024, Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, representing Taraba State. Her victory was not just a personal achievement but a powerful statement of unity and acceptance.
In her emotional acceptance speech, she declared, “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” a message that resonated deeply given the challenges she faced in South Africa.
With the Miss Universe Nigeria title, Adetshina will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this November.
