A former contestant from Miss South Africa found herself embroiled in a nationality dispute before being crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, marking the end of a challenging period for the beauty queen. Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, made the decision to withdraw from the South African competition “for the safety and well-being of my family and myself” following a wave of criticism that unveiled deep-rooted anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
Reflecting on her journey, Adetshina expressed her pride and gratitude for the support she received, stating, “This has been a challenging path for me, and I am truly thankful for the love and encouragement.” Moments after her victory in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, she shared her excitement about achieving a dream she had long pursued, emphasizing her gratitude for the opportunity.
Despite facing xenophobic attacks due to her Nigerian heritage and being embroiled in controversy during her time as a Miss South Africa finalist, Adetshina remained resilient. The government’s investigation into claims about her mother’s identity did not deter her spirit. Despite not residing in the country for two decades, she was invited to participate in the Nigerian pageant, with organizers emphasizing the chance for her to represent her father’s homeland on a global platform.
Speaking out against xenophobia and tribalism, first runner-up Paula Ezendu stressed the importance of unity and humanity in light of Adetshina’s challenging experiences. Adetshina herself expressed her love for South Africa and appreciation for the support she received from the country, underscoring her enduring connection to the nation despite the nationality controversy.
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