Chidimma Adetshina: Hounded South African beauty queen wins in Nigeria

LAGOS, NIGERIA – After being hounded out of the Miss South Africa pageant, Chidimma Adetshina has completed a remarkable comeback after she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria over the weekend.

Born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, 23-year-old Adetshina pulled out from the country’s competition “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I” after a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.

Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks and sparked controversy when she was announced as a Miss South Africa finalist in July, while the government said it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

Adetshina triumphed at the pageant held in Lagos on Saturday night and is now set to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in November.

“This journey has been a tough journey for me … I am so proud of myself and I’m really grateful for the love and the support,” Adetshina told AFP minutes after being crowned.

“This is something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad that I have a second shot as well at achieving it.”

In a statement on statement on Instagram, the beauty queen described her victory as a dream come true,” highlighting that the crown was “not just a symbol of beauty” but “a call to action” for a united Africa.

“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.

“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,” the statement added.