By Jennifer Amarachi
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has officially invited Chidimma Adetshina to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition.
Chidimma, a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa beauty contest, recently withdrawn due to a scandal over her Nigerian background, which stirred national debate and resulted in a government probe.
As a naturalised South African, she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. She received both sympathy and criticism for her participation.
On August 8th, Chidimma announced her decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition, citing safety concerns for her family.
“Being a part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an incredible experience; however, after careful consideration, I have made the painful decision to withdraw from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and myself.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this incredible experience,” she wrote on Instagram.
Miss Universe Nigeria responded by reaching out to Chidimma via Instagram today, acknowledging her hardships and offering her support.
“We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been keenly monitoring the circumstances involving your decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa beauty competition. We respect the circumstances behind your withdrawal and understand the difficulties you may be experiencing. In light of these occurrences, we’d want to
offer our support and encouragement,” the message stated.
Miss Universe Nigeria went on to say that they believe Chidimma’s pageant career is far from done, and they invited her to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we formally welcome you to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition.
“This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native place on a global scale, and we believe you would be an excellent candidate,” the invitation stated.
The organization emphasized that the Miss Universe Nigeria contest honours the power, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women, and they encouraged Chidimma to take advantage of this chance.
