While competing for Miss Universe Nigeria, former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina says she is still proudly South African as she fights for her diverse identity to be embraced.
Adetshina received a heartwarming welcome upon her arrival in Nigeria on Wednesday. The reception included flowers and balloons with messages such as “You are greatly loved” and “Welcome to the giant of Africa”.
She wore à La Jaqueta suit from the Pastel Power Collection similar to those worn by the top five contestants for Miss South Africa earlier this month.
In an interview with Rhythm 93.7FM Nigeria, she said she was excited to be in the country.
“I remember earlier this year I said to myself I need to go to Nigeria. I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but I need to go, so that I spoke it into existence and it is happening is a great start. I am excited. It feels nice to be appreciated. The love, the warmth, the support. Everything is incredible,” she said.
Adetshina joined the Nigerian crown chase after withdrawing from Miss South Africa over a citizenship probe.
Despite being born and raised in South Africa, questions were raised about her legitimacy in participating in the Miss South Africa competition due to her Nigerian father and her mother’s Mozambican heritage.
In the Miss Nigeria Universe competition, she quickly became a leading contender, securing more than 13,000 votes. Her closest competitors are Edeifo Aikhuele, who has 8,207 votes, and Queenth Igbokwe with 5,211.
Adetshina believes her diversity will be an advantage in Miss Universe Nigeria.
“I will make a powerful impact. There are a lot of people who are just as diverse as I am and I don’t want us to live in a society or community where we are excluded because of the diverse backgrounds we have. I want us to be included, to be celebrated, to be appreciated, loved and accepted.
“Me just being here, I am not only representing myself, but I am representing a lot of people who see themselves in me and are diverse in their culture.”
Adetshina plans to use her platform to share her story and bring awareness.
“My name has brought a lot of awareness into this but I don’t want it to come in a negative way because as much as I am still fighting for my identity I am still proudly South African and I am still proudly Nigerian and it’s really OK to be diverse. I want people to see that good side but also for us to start acknowledging it and accepting it.”
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant grand finale is set to take place on August 31 at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The contestants will be in camp at the Festival Hotel in Festac, where they will undergo rigorous rehearsals and training leading up to the event.