Miss SA Finalist Chidinma Adetshina to Compete in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024

In a surprising turn of events, Chidinma Adetshina, a former finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, announced her participation in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty competition.

Adetshina, who was among the top 13 contestants in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, withdrew from the competition just days before the finale due to concerns over her family’s safety and well-being.

 This decision came after the South African government launched an investigation into the citizenship status of Adetshina’s mother, who is suspected of committing “identity theft.”

Despite the ongoing citizenship probe, the organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant have extended an invitation to Adetshina to compete in their prestigious event. In a video message shared on X.com by Ben Murray-Bruce, the founder of the Silverbird Group which organizes the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, Adetshina expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.

“I have received an invitation from the Silverbird Group, who are the organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant. I say this with great excitement because I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant,” Adetshina said in the video.

The 23-year-old model acknowledged the responsibilities that come with the Miss Universe Nigeria title, stating, “I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title, and I am so excited to embark on this journey.”

Adetshina’s decision to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has sparked mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that her participation could jeopardize the chances of other Nigerian contestants.

However, the event organizers welcomed Adetshina’s participation, with Murray-Bruce stating, “We welcome Miss Chidinma Adetshina to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant.”

It remains unclear how Adetshina, who was born in Johannesburg and has spent her entire life in South Africa, will be able to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant without any known Nigerian citizenship.

The Nigerian law allows a person born outside the country to a Nigerian parent to apply for citizenship by birth, but the process and timeline for such applications are not specified.

Nonetheless, Adetshina’s decision to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant has added an intriguing twist to the upcoming beauty competition, and her journey will be closely watched by pageant enthusiasts across the continent.