Tensions yesterday flared again between South Africans and Nigerians on social media after Chidimma Onwe Adetshina clinched the first runner-up spot at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City. Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, emerged as the winner in a tightly contested finale.
Adetshina’s journey has been marked by controversy. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, and raised in Soweto, she faced xenophobic backlash during the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, with critics questioning her eligibility due to her father’s nationality. …CONTINUE READING
Now representing Nigeria, her global success has reignited debates. While some South Africans claim her as one of their own, many Nigerians reject this, pointing to her treatment in South Africa as evidence of her rejection there.
MEANWHILE, Governor Peter Mbah has congratulated Enugu State-born Miss Universe Nigeria, Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner up at the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico, saying she had demon- strated the perseverance and courage for which the people of the state were known.
Mbah, who had earlier received Adetshina in October and appointed her the state’s brand ambassador also thanked Nigerians and the world for rallying behind her in her chequered journey to the pageant.
“Chidimma’s incredible journey and outstanding performance have filled us with immense pride, reaffirming the resilience, brilliance, and determination that define Ndi Enugu. Against all odds, she has made Enugu and Nigeria shine brightly on the world stage, and we could not be prouder of her.”
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has congratulated
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina for emerging second at Miss Universe 2024, describing it as a reward for her doggedness and resilience.