Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant due to concerns over her family’s safety, has officially joined the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition.
Adetshina, now Contestant No. 25, will represent Taraba State in this prestigious event.
A law student of Nigerian and South African heritage, Adetshina encountered huge controversy and xenophobic threat in South Africa regarding her eligibility to compete.
Despite this, she garnered considerable support from advocates who defended her right to participate.
With her entry into Miss Universe Nigeria, Adetshina expressed her excitement, labeling the pageant as Africa’s most renowned beauty contest.
The organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria announced her participation on Friday and are encouraging viewers to cast their votes in support of her quest for the beauty crown.
Born in 2001 in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina is the daughter of a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother who became a naturalized South African citizen.
She previously made it to the top 11 finalists in Miss South Africa but withdrew after receiving xenophobic threats, prioritizing her safety and well-being.
Following her withdrawal, she received an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria.