The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has commended Chidimma Adetshina for her remarkable achievement as the first runner-up in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico.
Adetshina narrowly missed the crown to Denmark’s Victoria Kjær but was later honored as Miss Universe Africa 2024, a title that has sparked widespread celebrations in Nigeria.
Bianca, a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) winner in 1988, took to Instagram to celebrate Adetshina’s perseverance and success, describing her as a symbol of resilience and determination.
“A BIG Congratulations to our very own. Resilience, perseverance, and true grit will always win the day. Kudos to Chidimma Adetshina who has done the nation proud,” Bianca wrote. “She may not have won the pageant, but this is our best outing, and she paved this path against all odds.”
Adetshina’s journey has been marked by challenges. Born in Soweto, South Africa, she gained attention during her participation in Miss South Africa 2024, where she faced accusations of identity fraud linked to her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001. Amid the controversy, she withdrew from the competition, citing concerns for her safety.
Determined to move forward, Adetshina entered and won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, earning her spot on the global stage.
Her triumph as Miss Universe Africa highlights her resilience and has positioned her as a source of national pride, inspiring many with her journey from adversity to international recognition.
