Faith Nyasuguta
Chidimma Adetshina, who represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant, has announced plans to relocate to Nigeria after finishing as the runner-up in the global competition held in Mexico. The 23-year-old law student, crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, lost the crown to Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig.
Adetshina has decided to relocate to Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa competition earlier this year, where her nationality became a point of contention. Allegations that her mother had stolen the identity of a South African woman led to a police investigation. “I have already decided that I want to relocate to Nigeria,” she stated, noting uncertainty about whether she could return to South Africa.
Born in Soweto, with her father being Nigerian, Adetshina faced intense scrutiny from South Africans who questioned her citizenship due to her Nigerian surname. As the controversy escalated, South Africa’s home affairs department cancelled her and her mother’s identity documents, alleging that they had failed to justify their eligibility to keep them.
Amid these challenges, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition in August, citing a need to protect herself and her family. Shortly afterward, she was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged victorious. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted, “Placing in the top two exceeded my expectations. It was a dream but also an emotional rollercoaster. Now, I must focus on my health and future.”
Adetshina emphasized that she harbors no resentment toward South Africa despite the backlash. “At the end of the day, South Africa is still a place I call home, no matter how painful it is to say it,” she remarked.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s nationality has left her navigating legal complexities while maintaining her focus on academic and professional aspirations. “Everything is being handled legally,” she explained, adding that she still hopes to complete her law degree.
As she prepares to relocate, Adetshina expressed her eagerness to reunite with her family, including her child, to finalize her decision. “I haven’t seen my family yet. When we meet, we’ll decide together because it is a hasty decision,” she revealed.
Adetshina’s accomplishments on the global stage underscore her resilience amid adversity. Over the next year, she will travel the world with the Miss Universe organization, using her platform to champion African pride and unity.
Looking to the future, Adetshina hopes to bridge divides between Nigeria and South Africa while promoting unity across the continent. “I have this opportunity to bring not only Nigeria and South Africa together but also unite the whole of Africa,” she said, affirming her dedication to fostering stronger ties within the continent.
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