Chidinma Onwe Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 After Withdrawing from Miss South Africa

Chidimma Onwe Adetshina has won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, weeks after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant amid controversy on nationality.

The 23-year-old emerged victorious against 24 other contestants at the prestigious event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on August 31.

Adetshina, who represented Taraba State, was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant after facing backlash in South Africa over questions regarding her nationality. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother raised in Soweto, she faced criticism from some South Africans who argued she was not eligible to compete in Miss South Africa due to her father’s nationality. Following an investigation initiated by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, and a subsequent controversy over her citizenship, Adetshina withdrew from the South African competition.

Despite this setback, Adetshina saw the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant as a second chance to achieve her dreams in pageantry. In an interview, she expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’ve always wanted to be a model… When I first learned about pageantry, it was in 2017, and that’s when I told myself I wanted to be the next Miss Universe. So, it’s just a thing of having goals, setting them for myself, and being here to achieve them.“

Adetshina’s journey to the crown was met with overwhelming support and encouragement from her fellow contestants in Nigeria, dispelling any concerns about her being an outsider. “I came in here thinking that a lot of them would feel some type of way about the invitation and about me coming,” she said, “but I can guarantee the words of encouragement, the support these amazing women have given me has been there, and I’m just thrilled that they accept me.“

Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina being announced as the winner of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. pic.twitter.com/QdJUseHE9y

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) August 31, 2024

Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group, the competition’s organizers, announced Adetshina as the winner during the grand finale. Her victory marks a huge personal achievement and represents a triumphant return to her Nigerian roots, where she has been embraced and celebrated.