Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, following a challenging period marked by a nationality controversy.
The 23-year-old, born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition due to backlash that revealed anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa. Adetshina made the decision “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.”
After being crowned in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, Adetshina expressed her pride and gratitude. “This journey has been difficult, but I’m so proud of myself and deeply thankful for the support and love I’ve received,” she told AFP.
Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage led to xenophobic attacks and controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July. There were also claims that her mother might have fraudulently used the identity of a South African woman. Despite not having lived in Nigeria for 20 years, the Nigerian contest organizers extended an invitation for her to participate, allowing her to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage.”
First runner-up Paula Ezendu spoke out against xenophobia and tribalism, emphasizing unity. “We’re all one family. We’re all human beings,” she told AFP.
Adetshina reaffirmed her love for South Africa and her appreciation for the country’s support. She will now represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in November, expressing confidence in her chances. “I know we are going to win,” she said.
