The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has officially invited Chidimma Adetshina to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition, following her recent withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant due to controversy over her Nigerian heritage.
Chidimma, who was a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa beauty pageant, decided to step down from the competition on August 8th, citing concerns for her family’s safety after facing backlash related to her Nigerian roots.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma, now a naturalized South African, found herself at the center of a national debate that even prompted a government investigation.
In an emotional announcement on Instagram, Chidimma shared her decision to withdraw: “Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me. With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
Responding to her situation, Miss Universe Nigeria reached out to Chidimma through an Instagram post, expressing understanding and offering their support. The message from the pageant organization read: “We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing. In light of these events, we want to extend our support and encouragement.”
The organization encouraged Chidimma to consider representing her father’s native land on an international stage, stating, “As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender.”
Miss Universe Nigeria highlighted the significance of the competition, which celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women, and expressed their eagerness to welcome Chidimma into the fold.
“We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you continue your journey in pageantry with the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant,” the message concluded.
