Nigeria’s pride at the 2024 Miss Universe competition, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to take a break from beauty pageants, following her remarkable achievement of finishing as the first runner-up at the prestigious event.
Speaking exclusively to BBC Pidgin upon her return to Nigeria on Tuesday, Adetshina reflected on her historic performance, which far exceeded her expectations.
The 23-year-old beauty queen, who competed against 125 contestants from around the globe, made history by becoming the first runner-up from Nigeria and the entire West African region.
Held on November 16 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, the Miss Universe competition marked a significant milestone for Nigeria on the international beauty stage.
“I was so emotional when I was called into the top five. I had prepared myself mentally just to make it into the top 30. Surpassing my own expectations has made me very proud of myself,” Adetshina shared, speaking in Pidgin.
Adetshina’s triumph didn’t stop there. She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania during the event, a recognition that further solidified her position as one of the standout contestants in 2024 pageant.
Despite her success, Adetshina, who initially set her sights on academic pursuits and other career options, has decided to step away from the pageant circuit for now.
She explained, “I want to put pageants aside for now and concentrate on my studies. I also want to explore other opportunities to establish myself.”
Looking ahead, Adetshina revealed plans to delve into modeling, runway shows, and acting, saying, “I’m also looking forward to exploring runways, acting, and seeing where my potential takes me.”
Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe stage wasn’t without its hurdles. Earlier in the year, she made headlines after facing public scrutiny over her South African citizenship, which led to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant.
The South African Department of Home Affairs had raised concerns about her eligibility, citing alleged identity theft involving her mother.
Despite this controversy, Adetshina found her way to the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, where she emerged victorious.
Addressing the ongoing questions surrounding her citizenship issue, she explained, “People are very interested in the story. But as I haven’t been home or spoken to my lawyer yet, I cannot make any statements. Once I have all the facts, I will provide clarity on the matter.”
Now holding the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, Adetshina is expected to engage in various projects alongside the Miss Universe organization, though the specifics of these initiatives are still under wraps.
She mentioned that her role would include traveling to different countries to support development-focused efforts, a cause she is deeply passionate about.
As she steps away from the pageant world to focus on other pursuits, Chidimma Adetshina’s historic performance at Miss Universe remains a testament to her talent and determination, and it’s clear that her journey is far from over.
