Chidimma Adetshina Triumphs at Miss Universe 2024

Chidimma Adetshina has made history as the first African woman since Agbani Darego (who was among the top 10 contestants at Miss Universe and later won Miss World in 2001) to achieve remarkable success at a global pageant. Her journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and triumph in adversity.

In August 2024, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant after facing xenophobic attacks and accusations challenging her citizenship. After intense scrutiny from cabinet ministers and an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs alleging potential citizenship fraud, she dropped out of the pageant, announcing on her Instagram page that she was withdrawing “for the safety and well-being” of herself and family. 

In the same month, Adetshina was invited to and won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. At the recently completed Miss Universe competition in Mexico, she made history as the first runner-up, narrowly losing to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Her remarkable achievement came with prestigious rewards, including a $100,000 cash prize, a one-year lease on a luxury New York apartment, and a stunning $3 million diamond-encrusted crown.

Just days before the competition, she shared a message on Instagram: “This achievement is not just mine, but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa. Your support and encouragement have been the fuel to my fire. To anyone who has ever doubted themselves, I see you, and I believe in you. Your dreams are valid. Don’t let fear hold you back. Don’t let doubt whisper you can’t because you can.”

Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Adetshina has transformed potential setbacks into a statement of national and cultural pride for all to learn from.