Here’s what you should know about Chidimma Adetshina, the second runner-up of Miss Universe.
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is a Nigerian-South African model and beauty queen who has garnered national attention for her resilience and accomplishments. Overcoming numerous challenges, including her exit from the Miss South Africa pageant due to xenophobic threats, she has emerged as a prominent figure, recently securing the title of first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
Early Life and Education
Born in 2001 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina has a rich cultural background, with a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother. This diverse upbringing influenced her formative years, and she is currently pursuing a law degree in South Africa.
Career
Adetshina first gained fame as a finalist in the Miss South Africa competition, but xenophobic threats led her to withdraw for her safety. Shortly thereafter, she entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, representing Taraba State, which she ultimately won.
On November 17, 2024, she made history as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe beauty pageant, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve this milestone. Additionally, she was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
Personal Life
Adetshina recently divorced her husband in February 2024, sharing with Sowetan Live Magazine, “I got divorced in February. We were not compatible because he had this ideology of what an African married woman is. I didn’t want to be in a position where I couldn’t go out, but had to clean and cook… that just wasn’t for me because, as a society, we are beyond that phase.” She also revealed that she gave birth to her one-year-old son out of wedlock, stating, “My parents have been very supportive, and although my marriage deprived me of enjoying the beauty of pregnancy and being a wife, I find joy in taking new steps with my son.”
Challenges and Controversies
In 2024, Adetshina faced significant backlash from fellow South Africans during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. Many asserted that she was a Nigerian citizen and therefore ineligible to compete, leading to a petition signed by thousands urging her withdrawal, which she ultimately did.
Following this, the South African Home Affairs Department launched an investigation into her citizenship, citing prima facie evidence of fraud by her mother, who allegedly committed identity theft.
Her exit from Miss South Africa due to xenophobic threats underscores the difficulties she has encountered as a bicultural individual. Nevertheless, she seized the chance to compete in Nigeria after receiving an invitation.
However, during the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, South Africans continued to petition for her removal to prevent her from competing in the Miss Universe 2024 contest.
The South African government later moved to revoke Chidimma and her mother’s identification after they missed a deadline to verify their identities.
Legacy and Impact
Chidimma Adetshina is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and multicultural representation. Her achievements inspire young women to pursue their dreams despite societal obstacles.
