Chidimma Adetshina is a South African-born Nigerian beauty model, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Following an unsuccessful attempt in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, she now holds this esteemed title in Nigeria, a testament to her strength and resilience.
In her role as Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma will represent Nigeria on the global stage, showcasing the spirit and beauty of Nigerian women.
Profile details
Name: Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina
Born: 2001
Birthplace: Soweto, South Africa
Career: Model
Education: University of Pretoria
Relationship status: single
Background
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina was born in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2001.
She comes from a diverse background, with a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother who became a naturalized South African citizen.
However, there have been conflicting reports about her mother’s origin, with some sources claiming she is of Zulu South African descent.
Raised in South Africa, Chidimma has always embraced her multicultural heritage. She is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Pretoria, reflecting her interest in global affairs and diplomacy.
Career
At just 23 years old, Chidimma Adetshina has already established herself as a successful model and a dedicated athlete.
In addition to her modeling career, she is an accomplished netball player. Her participation in sports has not only helped her maintain physical fitness but has also instilled in her important values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Chidimma’s involvement in both modeling and sports showcases her versatility and commitment to excellence in every field she pursues.
Pageantry
Chidimma Adetshina gained significant attention in 2024 when she competed in the Miss South Africa pageant.
She quickly advanced to the top 9 finalists, but her journey was marred by controversy.
Questions surrounding her eligibility to represent South Africa arose due to her mixed heritage and her mother’s citizenship status.
The South African Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation to verify her nationality, following concerns about her mother’s naturalization process.
During the investigation, preliminary evidence suggested potential fraud and identity theft in obtaining South African citizenship for Adetshina’s mother.
In light of the ongoing investigation and concerns for her safety, Chidimma chose to withdraw from the pageant.
Despite the controversy, Chidimma received widespread support from many who viewed her as a symbol of South Africa’s diversity.
Prominent figures and organizations, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), defended her, advocating for inclusivity and challenging xenophobic attitudes.
Controversy
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in Miss South Africa sparked a national debate about citizenship, identity, and representation.
The Department of Home Affairs faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, with many questioning the fairness of the process.
Additionally, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, faced backlash for his comments, which some perceived as xenophobic and discriminatory.
His remarks about Chidimma’s Nigerian names and mixed heritage further fueled the debate about what it means to be South African.
Chidimma’s case highlighted broader issues of nationality and belonging in South Africa, especially in the context of a country with a rich and complex multicultural history.
Miss Universe Nigeria 2024
In August 2024, after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant, Chidimma Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition, organized by Silverbird Productions.
She went on to win the title and will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in November 2024.
This has marked a new chapter in her pageantry career, allowing her to represent her Nigerian heritage on an international stage.
Advocacy
Beyond her career in modeling and sports, Chidimma is passionate about advocacy, particularly in addressing violence against women and children and combating gender-based violence.
Her commitment to these causes is deeply personal, driven by a desire to create a safer and more equitable society.
Through her platform, she aims to raise awareness and push for meaningful change, making her not only a public figure but also a dedicated advocate for human rights.
Personal life
Chidimma Adetshina was previously married and went through a divorce in February 2024.
She is a mother to one child, balancing her responsibilities as a parent with her ambitions in modeling and pageantry.
Net worth
At a young age, Chidimma Adetshina has established herself and has garnered a net worth of about $100,000.
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