Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has etched her name in history by becoming the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. The grand finale, held in Mexico City on Sunday morning, saw Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, take home the crown after a fierce competition.
Adetshina’s journey to the global stage was not without challenges, including facing xenophobic attacks on social media. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, she initially entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew after backlash from some South Africans who questioned her nationality. The criticism intensified online, with some individuals even petitioning the Miss Universe Organization to disqualify her, citing her heritage as grounds for exclusion.
Despite these obstacles, Adetshina remained resilient. The Silverbird Group, organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria, extended an invitation for her to compete, and she seized the opportunity, eventually being crowned the Nigerian representative at Miss Universe 2024.
Her performance at the international stage was nothing short of exceptional. Adetshina wowed judges and audiences with her eloquent responses on issues of diversity and respect for humanity, cementing her place as a symbol of strength, grace, and intelligence.
Reflecting on her journey, Adetshina shared how it had taken seven years of persistence to realize her dream of walking the Miss Universe stage. In an emotional statement, she recounted the challenges she faced along the way.
“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally—the tears, the pain, the trauma,” she said. “The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving. However, I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.”
She also dedicated her achievement to her homeland and the African continent, saying, “This achievement is not just mine but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa. Your support and encouragement has been the fuel to my fire.”
Adetshina’s historic accomplishment as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant not only highlights her resilience but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion on global platforms. Her triumph is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
