Nigeria’s representative at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, Chidimma Adetshina, has officially landed in Mexico as she prepares for the event set to take place on November 16.
Adetshina, a celebrated model based in South Africa, secured her Miss Universe Nigeria title in August and touched down in Mexico on Tuesday, just over two weeks before the highly anticipated competition.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 22-year-old extended her thanks to her supporters for their unwavering encouragement.
Sharing her aspirations with fans, she wrote, “To the charming gardeners of the Universe, I appeal to you to welcome me with open hands, hearken to the echoes of a mind on a mission, a story so big, and a drive so powerful to call the Universe to action.”
Adetshina’s journey to this point, however, has not been without hurdles. This year, she became the center of a nationality dispute in South Africa, leading to potential legal actions against her citizenship status.
Initially a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, Adetshina faced criticism regarding her eligibility due to her Mozambican and Nigerian roots, sparking significant xenophobic backlash on social media.
Under pressure, she withdrew from the South African contest and instead represented her home state of Taraba in Nigeria, ultimately winning the Miss Universe Nigeria crown.
But her challenges didn’t end there. On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that Adetshina and her mother would likely lose their South African citizenship and travel documentation.
According to a report from the BBC, the Department cited the family’s failure to meet a deadline to substantiate their citizenship claims.
A senior department official, Tommy Makhode, revealed that the case had been escalated to the Hawks, a specialized police unit focused on severe criminal cases, which labeled the situation as “fraud.” Any subsequent legal action now rests with the prosecution team.
Despite the ongoing nationality saga, Adetshina has embraced her heritage, telling the BBC she feels “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian.”
Her journey at Miss Universe 2024 symbolizes more than just a competition—it’s a testament to her resilience amid complex issues of identity, nationality, and cultural pride.
As she moves closer to the pageant date, Adetshina’s mission resonates with her international fan base, who now eagerly await her performance on the world stage.
