I’m grateful for the support I’ve received so far- Chidinma Adetshina
South African-born Nigerian model Chidinma Adetshina has expressed her deep appreciation for the overwhelming support she has received since arriving in Nigeria.
During an interview on the AriseTV 360 show, the former Miss South Africa contestant shared her gratitude for the encouragement she’s received from fellow contestants since joining the Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
Representing Taraba State in the pageant, Adetshina said, “I am really excited to have been given a second chance to achieve one of my biggest dreams and goals. I’ve always wanted to be a model, but I wasn’t aware of the pageant world until 2017.”
Adetshina also reflected on her evolving understanding of pageantry, noting that it’s about more than just beauty. “I realized that pageantry isn’t just about the face, the crowd, the cheers, or the body—it’s about the impact you can have and the contributions you can make to society.”
Regarding her participation in Miss Universe Nigeria, she admitted that she might not have entered the contest had she not been invited.
“I wouldn’t have known if I was eligible, and it’s been a while since I’ve been here. But when the invitation came, I realized this is something I want to do, and I was really excited to have the opportunity.”
Adetshina was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and acceptance she received from her fellow contestants.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve received so much love and encouragement. I was concerned that others might feel some kind of way about me participating, especially after the comments and criticisms about the potential advantage I might have had. But I can guarantee you, the support from these amazing women has been incredible, and I’m just really happy they accepted me.”
Reflecting on her connection to Nigeria, she shared, “I haven’t actually been to my father’s land, so after the competition, I want to go back home and experience life there. The last time I was here, I was three years old, so I don’t remember much. But now that I’m grown, I’m eager to experience it and hold on to those memories.”
Adetshina also spoke passionately about the importance of love and acceptance, particularly in the face of negativity.
“Whenever I get the chance to speak, I always talk about the love I’ve received because I’m truly grateful. No one deserves to be treated differently, to feel unacceptable or unloved. I’ve seen the hateful comments from some people, but I focus on the positivity.”
WUZUPNIGERIA previously reported that Adetshina was invited to the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition, which was sparked by controversy surrounding her nationality.
