Chidimma Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 on Saturday, August 31 after her dream to win this year’s Miss South Africa was truncated by an identity crisis that made her withdraw at the top finalists stage of the competition.
NewsPlus reported how the President of the Silverbird Group, organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria Pageant, Mr Guy Murray-Bruce, invited Miss Adetshina to participate in the pageant out of patriotism and to help Chidimma keep her dream alive.
“This journey has been a tough journey for me and I am so proud of myself and I’m really grateful for the love and the support. This is something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad that I have a second shot as well at achieving it,” Adetshina said, moments after she got the prestigious crown.
Diasporan contestant
Chidimma was invited to contest despite not being in Nigeria in 20 years, thus giving her the chance to represent her father’s native land on an international stage.
Stop xenophobia!
“We all need to stop with the xenophobia… with the tribalism. We’re all one family. We’re all human beings,” first runner-up Paula Ezendu, who represented Anambra State, told reporters.
Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant, Adetshina declared that she loved South Africa and was grateful for the support from the country.
And the winners are:
- Miss Taraba, Chidimma Adetshina, Overall Winner.
- Miss Anambra, Paula Ezendu, First Runner-Up/ Miss Supranational
- Miss Edo, Brittany Edeifo, Second Runner-Up
- Miss Ondo, Peace Ayegbidun, Miss Lush
“This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” Chidimma stated after being crowned.
She succeeds last year’s winner, Mitchell Ikachukwu, and she is expected to be an inspiration to her generation.
Other winners on the night:
- Miss Oyo, Top Model Award
- Miss Imo, Best Costume of the Night
- Miss Abuja, Best Talent Award.
The plus-size contestant, Ifa Dania (Miss Kwara) also got special prizes.
Grand Prize
Adetshina will receive N10 million (about six thousand US dollars) in cash along with other prizes. She will also represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on November 16, 2024.
“I know we are going to win,” she told reporters.
Watch the memorable moment she was crowned HERE.
Do you think she deserves the crown?
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