Chidinma Onwe Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. The event took place on August 31 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, where she stood out among 24 other contestants to win the prestigious title.

Chidinma’s journey to this victory was not without challenges. Just a few weeks ago, she was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, and raised in Soweto, Chidinma faced significant backlash in South Africa. Many people there argued that she wasn’t eligible to compete in the pageant because her father wasn’t South African.

The situation became even more complicated when South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, launched an investigation into Chidinma’s citizenship. This investigation came after concerns were raised by the organizers of the Miss South Africa pageant and outcry from some South Africans. The investigation revealed that Chidinma’s mother might have used the identity of an “innocent” South African woman. This led to Chidinma’s decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition.

However, her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant opened another door for her. Chidinma was invited to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she ultimately claimed the crown. Her victory is a testament to her resilience and determination, proving that setbacks can lead to new and exciting opportunities.

Chidinma’s win at Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 marks a new chapter in her journey, and she now looks forward to representing Nigeria on the global stage.

You can watch the moment Chidinma was crowned in the video below.