A 23-year-old model and law student from South Africa, Chidinma Adetshina, has confirmed her participation in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant.
This announcement follows her recent withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition amid controversies over her citizenship.
Chidinma faced backlash regarding her eligibility and nationality, leading South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to investigate. The investigation suggested that Chidinma’s mother might have committed identity fraud to secure South African citizenship, causing Chidinma to step down from the Miss South Africa pageant to protect her family’s safety.
Following her withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organization reached out to Chidinma, recognizing her Nigerian heritage. They invited her to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
In a social media post, Chidinma shared her excitement about the new opportunity.
She said, “I have decided to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant. Now I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title. I’m so excited to embark on this journey. I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant.”
Chidinma thanked the organizers for their support and acknowledged the responsibilities that come with the title.
This has sparked several reactions online; @_xavier254 commented, “I hope South Africans will not bully her. I wish they let her participate in peace.”
@iszzyiniho1 also added, “She is bigger than South Africa people. WELCOME HOME 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬”
@BafanaSurprise praised Chidinma’s decision, “As South Africans we are coming for everything, we now send Chidimma as a secret contestant to Miss Nigeria 2024. And we know very well she is gonna win 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Nigerians won’t be happy at all with our Chidimma. Hail to us South Africans 🤣🤣”
@nkulipp also joined, “Congratulations to her now. She must go and present South Africa very well. We are proud of her. ‘She doesn’t have our DNA, Just RSA.'”
@NotUrKev, “Nigerians are glad to welcome you home girl. 👏🏾 What’s intriguing the most is her smile throughout the video. 😊 A smile that is a nightmare for xenophobic South Africans, who thought attacking her with hate would crumble her career. Just so you know, her time is now!!!”
@dammygtnet, “Good decision by her! She should come home, make she leave pepper body people 😏”
@MsEnny_O, “One thing about Nigerians is that we always show up for our own. 💚 Nigeria is going to give back her beautiful smiles.”
Following Chidinma’s exit from the Miss South Africa pageant, Mia Le Roux, a 28-year-old model and marketing manager, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
Mia is the first deaf woman to win the title, but her victory has sparked mixed reactions, especially among Nigerians who feel Chidinma was sidelined in favor of a white contestant.
Prominent figures, including Nigerian artist Burna Boy also have criticized the situation.
