Over the past weekend, the pageantry world witnessed a remarkable twist in the life of 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina, who was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. This moment of triumph, however, didn’t arrive without its fair share of controversy, national debate, and personal challenges.
Chidimma’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Born in South Africa to a South African mother of Mozambican descent and a Nigerian father, her identity straddles two cultures. But when she announced her ambitions to compete in the Miss South Africa pageant, things took a complicated turn. The backlash from South Africans questioning her eligibility based on her name and background forced her to withdraw from the competition. As Chidimma put it, “South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name.”
This verdict from her fellow South Africans was disheartening, especially as she has spent 23 years living there. “It was a horrible experience… heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed and accepted,” Chidimma shared in a candid interview after her crowning. You could feel the weight of her disappointment as she recounted her experience—definitely something no one would want to endure.
Amidst the scrutiny, the South African Home Affairs Department also got involved, sparking discussions over her mother’s identity and residency status. The investigation added a layer of complexity to an already challenging situation, leading her to prioritize the safety and well-being of her family and ultimately withdraw from Miss SA. But the silver lining? Following her withdrawal, she received an invitation to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Celebrating her new role, Chidimma said, “What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian.” Her pride in both her South African and Nigerian roots truly shines through, and that’s a sentiment many can relate to in our increasingly globalized world.
Chidimma’s story reminds us of the layers of identity we all carry. In a world that can sometimes be quick to judge and categorize, it’s refreshing to see someone embrace their multidimensional background with such grace. Now, she’s set to take the international stage as Nigeria’s representative for the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico—and I, for one, can’t wait to see how she’ll shine.
So, as Chidimma embarks on this exciting new chapter, let’s hope she carries the spirit of both her homes with her. After all, it’s not just about the crown; it’s about standing tall with pride and embracing the journey that has led her here. Cheers to Chidimma Adetshina—may she continue to inspire others with her incredible strength, resilience, and dual heritage!
