Nigeria Applauds Miss Universe Success Despite Citizenship Dispute
Nigerians are celebrating Chidimma Adetshina’s remarkable achievement at the Miss Universe competition held in Mexico. Though she narrowly missed the ultimate title and was named first runner-up, Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, a historic milestone for Nigeria and West Africa.
Stephanie Kingsley, a fellow Nigerian beauty queen, shared her excitement, describing the emotional moments she experienced while following the pageant online. She recounted how she and her friend in the UK were glued to their phones, cheering as Adetshina progressed to the top five and ultimately secured her runner-up position. Kingsley noted that this achievement is a huge step forward for Nigerian pageant participants, saying it “opens doors for us” and marks a breakthrough after years of struggles in the beauty pageant industry.
Adetshina’s journey to this success was not without challenges. Earlier in the year, she had to withdraw from the Miss Universe South Africa race due to a citizenship dispute. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots, Adetshina faced xenophobic online attacks that raised concerns for her and her family’s safety. Despite the adversity, Nigerian pageant organizers quickly stepped in, inviting her to represent her father’s country. This move not only brought her closer to Nigerians but also showcased her resilience in the face of such difficulties.
Many Nigerians, including Kingsley, praised Adetshina’s mental strength and courage. Kingsley acknowledged the immense pressure Adetshina must have endured during the citizenship controversy, yet she managed to break records and achieve a feat no Nigerian had accomplished in the Miss Universe pageant. Adetshina’s success resonates deeply with Nigerians, marking the highest placement for the country in the competition since Agbani Darego’s Miss World win in 2001.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission lauded Adetshina for her perseverance and determination. Smart Courage, a Nigerian pageant trainer, highlighted the broader social implications of Adetshina’s journey. He emphasized that issues like internal discrimination within the African community must be addressed. Courage noted that Africans often face barriers to unity, questioning one another’s authenticity as “African enough,” which undermines the collective push for equality and recognition.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Home Affairs department continues investigating allegations of citizenship fraud involving Adetshina’s mother. Authorities claim her mother committed identity theft to obtain citizenship in 2001, though no wrongdoing has been attributed to Adetshina, who was just a baby at the time. Neither Adetshina nor her mother has commented on the ongoing investigation.
Adetshina’s story has inspired millions across Africa, serving as a reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and national pride. Her achievement has ignited discussions on unity and support within the African community, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s pageantry history.
