Following the nationality row that trailed her participation in a beauty pageant in South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, a triumph that marks African solidairty
“As I accept this honor, I want to share a vision that burns deeply within me, a vision of African unity and peaceful coexistence!” she wrote in a statement on her Instagram page. “Let’s break down the barriers that divide us. Let’s foster a continent where every African can move freely without prejudice, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our great continent.”
Adetshina, 23, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in a ceremony held on Saturday in Lagos, signalling a triumph to the xenophobic sentiments that forced her to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina’s mixed heritage stirred up a hornets’ nest.
Several South African on social media questioned her eligibility to represent the country, reopening old wounds of immigration and xenophobia.
The situation escalated when South Africa’s Home Affairs department announced an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship, alleging that her mother may have committed identity fraud in 2001. Although the department ultimately cleared Adetshina of any wrongdoing, the controversy around her nationality left her with a heavy emotional toll, as she later disclosed.
“It wasn’t a minor thing; it was actually really major,” Adetshina said in an interview with BBC Pidgin. “I think I’ve been suppressing my emotions, but only now it’s started to cloud me… It’s something I will work on and see a therapist for.”
Adetshina was soon invited to represent her father’s native land in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, which she accepted. Winning the Miss Universe Nigeria crown was not just a personal victory; it was a poignant reminder of the challenges Africans face transcending borders within the continent. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that the crown was “not just a symbol of beauty,” but “a call to action” for a united Africa.
Adetshina’s experience has drawn renewed attention to South Africa’s fraught history with xenophobia, which has resulted in violence against immigrants in the past. As she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this November, Adetshina’s resilience stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for a future where Africans can rise above their differences and work together towards collective prosperity.
Chidimma Adetshina, 23, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria following significant controversy over her nationality that forced her to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina faced xenophobic backlash and a government investigation into her citizenship, which accused her mother of identity fraud. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, the experience left Adetshina emotionally burdened.
In her acceptance speech, Adetshina emphasized African unity and encouraged breaking down barriers to foster a continent free from prejudice. Her triumph not only represents personal victory but also highlights the ongoing struggles against xenophobia in Africa. As she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico, Adetshina continues to advocate for a united and prosperous Africa, using her platform to inspire collective harmony and growth.
