Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In the world of beauty pageants, stories of perseverance and triumph are often told. Yet, few tales resonate as powerfully as that of Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, the 23-year-old law student whose journey from rejection to crowning glory embodies resilience, grace, and an unyielding spirit.
The South African Storm
Chidimma’s path to fame was not without its share of storms. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, she was raised in South Africa—a background that, instead of being celebrated, led to her undoing. Earlier this year, Chidimma was set to compete in the Miss Universe South Africa 2024 pageant, a platform she had worked tirelessly to attain. However, what should have been a moment of pride quickly turned sour when xenophobic backlash over her nationality forced her to withdraw from the competition. The vitriol was fierce, and the threats to her and her family were too dangerous to ignore.
The rejection was a hard blow, not just to Chidimma but to the ideals of unity and diversity she believed in. The Miss Universe South Africa 2024 saga highlighted the troubling undercurrents of xenophobia that continue to ripple through society. Chidimma, however, refused to let the negativity define her.
A New Beginning in Nigeria
As the dust settled, the story took a surprising turn. Back in Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, the National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, took notice of Chidimma’s plight. Recognizing her potential and the strength she had shown in the face of adversity, he extended an invitation to her to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant.
For Chidimma, this was more than just an opportunity to compete; it was a chance to reconnect with her roots and embrace a culture she had been distanced from for years. “It’s been 20 years since I’ve been here, so I just wanna get to know more about Nigeria’s culture and where I really come from,” she remarked with the sincerity of someone ready to reclaim a part of themselves that had been lost.
Crowning Glory
The competition in Lagos was fierce, with 24 contestants from across the country vying for the coveted crown. Yet, Chidimma stood out, not just for her beauty but for the story she carried with her—a story of overcoming rejection and embracing her identity. The announcement of her victory was met with widespread acclaim, both online and off, as she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, representing Taraba State.
In her acceptance speech, Chidimma’s message was clear: “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity.” These words, delivered with the poise and confidence of a queen, struck a chord across the nation. Her victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a statement against the forces that had once sought to diminish her.
Looking Ahead
With her crown now firmly in place, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina is set to take the global stage in Mexico this November at the Miss Universe grand finale. The world will watch as she represents Nigeria, a nation that has embraced her as one of its own.
Her journey serves as a reminder that setbacks can be the prelude to something greater. Chidimma’s story is one of courage, identity, and the unbreakable spirit of a young woman who refused to be defined by rejection. As she steps into the spotlight, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of many—proof that even the most challenging journeys can lead to the most glorious of destinations.