Former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidinma Adetshina, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, emerged victorious at the grand finale held in Lagos on Saturday, 31 August, after defeating 24 other contestants.
Adetshina, who represented Taraba State, rose to the top five finalists after the contestants showcased their elegance in evening gowns.
The top five finalists included Miss Anambra, Paula Ezendu; Miss Edo, Edeifo Brittany; Miss Ondo, Ayegbidun Peace Olamide; and Miss Rivers, Nyekachi Douglas.
Eventually, Miss Ondo was named Miss Lush, Miss Anambra took the first runner-up position as Miss Supranational, while Adetshina clinched the overall title.
Adetshina’s journey to the crown was not without challenges. Earlier this year, she was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition after facing backlash due to her Nigerian-Mozambican parentage.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina was targeted by xenophobic attacks on social media after being announced as a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant in July.
Her participation was met with opposition from South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gaston McKenzie, and others who questioned her eligibility due to her Nigerian heritage.
Despite the hurdles, Adetshina’s resilience paid off when she was invited to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Her victory now paves the way for her to represent Nigeria on the global stage at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place in Mexico on 16 November.
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