Chidimma Adetshina, the model at the center of a nationality controversy in the Miss South Africa pageant, has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Gatekeepers News reports that after being embroiled in a dispute over her eligibility, Chidimma withdrew from the Miss South Africa final on August 10.
The 23-year-old model, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, expressed excitement about participating in “Africa’s most prestigious” pageant. She thanked the organizers for the opportunity, saying:
“With great excitement, I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant… I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title, and I’m so excited to be back on this journey.”
Chidimma’s decision to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant comes after the South African Department of Home Affairs alleged that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft. Chidimma cited the “safety of my family and I” as the reason for her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition.
