Chidimma Adetshina Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria Amid Controversy

Chidimma Adetshina Triumphs as Miss Universe Nigeria

In a remarkable turn of events during her second visit to Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned as the country’s representative for the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant. The event took place on Saturday in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest metropolis. This victory comes just weeks after Ms. Adetshina faced significant challenges while participating in the Miss Universe pageant held in South Africa, her country of birth. Public scrutiny regarding her Nigerian roots sparked a heated national conversation surrounding issues of nationality, immigration, and, ultimately, xenophobia.

Reflecting on her triumph, Ms. Adetshina shared on her social media platform, “I think I really do embody the spirit of perseverance and resilience,” proudly displaying her sash and crown. However, during a subsequent interview with the BBC’s Nigerian Pidgin outlet, her composed demeanor broke down when discussing the emotional toll of her experiences. “Only now, it’s starting to cloud me, and affect me,” she expressed, wiping away tears. Alongside her new responsibilities as Nigeria’s representative to the Miss Universe pageant, she indicated her intention to seek therapy to help navigate the emotional challenges she faces.

Although beauty pageants have often been criticized as outdated and inconsistent with modern feminist ideals, they continue to enjoy widespread popularity. In fact, international competitions have evolved into sources of national pride. This year, South Africa made history by crowning its first deaf winner, and there has been a notable inclusion of transgender contestants. Yet, the presence of a contestant with Nigerian heritage proved to be a contentious issue for some.

At just 23 years old, Ms. Adetshina reached the finals of the Miss South Africa pageant, which has transformed from a traditional format into a vibrant reality television show. Unfortunately, her identity began to overshadow her beauty and accomplishments. Born in the historic Soweto township of South Africa, she is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a South African mother who also boasts Mozambican ancestry.