Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has achieved a remarkable milestone by finishing as the first runner-up in the Miss Universe competition and earning the prestigious title of Miss Africa and Oceania.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her pride, saying, “I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history.” Despite narrowly losing the crown to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Adetshina’s stellar performance cemented her place as a prominent figure in the global beauty and fashion industry.
Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was marked by determination and resilience, as she overcame significant challenges and controversies along the way. Born and raised in South Africa, she initially competed in the Miss South Africa contest. However, her participation became the subject of heated debate and online trolling due to her Nigerian heritage. Critics targeted her after learning her father is Nigerian, highlighting the xenophobia and intolerance that continues to plague some sections of South African society.
The situation escalated last month when South African authorities announced their intention to revoke Adetshina’s identity documents. This action followed allegations that her mother, who has Mozambican roots, committed identity fraud to acquire South African nationality. Adetshina, who was an infant at the time, could not have been involved in any alleged wrongdoing. However, the controversy placed immense pressure on the young woman and cast doubt over her ability to represent South Africa on such a global platform.
Amid the growing public scrutiny, Adetshina made the decision to compete in the Miss Nigeria pageant, a move that ultimately led to her securing her place in the Miss Universe competition. Despite the challenging circumstances, she embraced her Nigerian heritage with pride, representing the country with grace and distinction in Mexico City.
Even as she represented Nigeria, Adetshina remained vocal about her dual identity. In an earlier interview with the BBC, she described herself as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian,” emphasizing her strong ties to both nations. Her stance highlighted her belief in inclusivity and the importance of embracing one’s multifaceted identity, which resonated with many supporters around the world.
However, the controversy did not end with her shift to representing Nigeria. After Miss Universe South Africa’s official Twitter account congratulated her on her second-place finish, using both South African and Nigerian flags, some South Africans responded with criticism, insisting that Adetshina did not represent their nation. The backlash underscored the complexities surrounding issues of nationality and belonging in South Africa.
Adetshina’s experiences throughout this journey have taken an emotional toll on her. In her BBC interview, she revealed that she planned to seek therapy to address the trauma caused by the xenophobic abuse and the relentless public scrutiny she faced. Her decision to speak openly about her struggles has been praised for shedding light on mental health challenges and inspiring others to seek help when needed.
Despite these challenges, Adetshina’s success at Miss Universe represents a significant achievement. She is the highest-placed black African woman in the competition since South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won the title in 2019. Her performance was a testament to her unwavering determination and ability to rise above adversity, earning her respect and admiration on an international scale.
The 2023 Miss Universe competition also featured another unexpected turn of events when Mia le Roux, the reigning Miss South Africa, withdrew from the contest due to an undisclosed medical condition. Le Roux, who made history as the first deaf woman to hold the Miss South Africa title, left South Africa without representation in this year’s competition. Her absence further heightened the spotlight on Adetshina, whose journey became a source of pride and inspiration for many across the continent.
Adetshina’s resilience and dedication have earned her a place in history, not just as a beauty queen but also as a symbol of strength and perseverance. Her story highlights the challenges faced by individuals who navigate complex cultural and national identities, and her achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Her success at Miss Universe also marks an important moment for Nigeria and Africa as a whole, demonstrating the talent and potential of African women on a global stage. By earning the Miss Africa and Oceania title, Adetshina has set a new standard for excellence, inspiring countless young women to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
For Adetshina, the Miss Universe competition was not just a beauty pageant it was a platform to tell her story, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for inclusivity and mental health awareness. As she continues to reflect on her experiences, her journey will undoubtedly inspire many to believe in their abilities and strive for greatness regardless of the challenges they face.
Her achievements are a testament to her strength, grace, and determination, and she has secured her place as a role model for future generations. As the second-place finisher at Miss Universe and the reigning Miss Africa and Oceania, Chidimma Adetshina has truly made history, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of beauty pageants and beyond.
