Chidimma made history at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City by becoming the first Nigerian to finish as the first runner-up.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended Nigerian model, Chidimma Adetshina, for emerging as first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024, noting that she was rejected by South Africa but came to Nigeria and excelled.
Chidimma made history at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City by becoming the first Nigerian to finish as the first runner-up.
NIDCOM on Sunday congratulated her on her achievement, especially considering she was initially rejected by South Africa due to controversy surrounding her citizenship.
Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Chidimma's journey to the top was not without its challenges. She initially entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant but withdrew due to concerns over her safety and well-being following an investigation into her mother's citizenship.
However, this setback didn't hold her back. Chidimma went on to represent Taraba State and won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, earning the right to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant.
The Commission, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, noted that despite all odds, Chidimma remained focused and attained her goals.
The NIDCOM boss who described Chidinma’s achievement as a reward for her doggedness and resilience, recalled Chidinma’s controversial official withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, after she had advanced to the final stage before she withdrew from the pageant.
“While in Nigeria, accompanied by President Silverbird group, Mr Guy Murray Bruce, Chidinma was warmly received at the NIDCOM Lagos office, and thereafter hosted to a grand reception at Idris Olorunnibe’s ‘The Temple,’ Victoria Island, with music legend, Dbanj in attendance,” the statement added.
Describing her as brilliant, focused and determined, Dabiri-Erewa urged others to emulate the spirit of ‘Nigerianess’ in Chidimma by being proud of the country and not run it down under whatever guise.
The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.
Nigeria came second behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who outshone 124 contestants from around the globe. Theilvig succeeds Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, who held the title in 2023.
Chidimma faced intense backlash and xenophobic attacks when selected as a Miss South Africa finalist in July.
Forced to withdraw from the competition for her family's safety and well-being, Chidimma faced further challenges when the South African government launched an investigation into allegations that her mother had assumed the identity of a South African woman.
Despite these obstacles, Chidimma persevered and went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant, ultimately securing the first runner-up position.
The NiDCOM statement reads, “Describing her as brilliant, focussed and determined, she urged others to emulate the spirit of Nigerianess in Chidimma by being proud of the country and not run it down under whatever guise.
“The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.
“Nigeria came second behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who won the keenly contested crown from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
“It will be recalled that Chidimma was rejected by South Africa who expressed worries and questioned her nationality.
“Due to that, Adetshina came to Nigeria to represent Taraba State and won the title of Miss Universe Nigeria organised by the Silverbird group.”