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Tag: Chidinma Adetshina

  • Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has congratulated Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina on her outstanding achievement as the first runner-up of the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister conveyed her congratulatory message in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe was held on Sunday at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Adetshina finishing second while Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, clinched the highly coveted crown.

    The first runner-up, who is the highest ranked African contestant of the competition, was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, making it the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.

    As first runner-up, Adetshina won a 100,000 dollars cash prize, a one-year lease on a luxury apartment in New York, a three million diamond-encrusted crown, connections and contacts to start a successful career in modelling and showbiz.

    Her historic feat has continued to attract accolades and goodwill messages from Nigerians from all walks of life, including the culture minister.

    Musawa described Chidinma’s remarkable feat as a testament to her dedication, resilience and passion for excellence.

    According to her, Adetshina’s accomplishment not only brings pride to Nigeria but also inspires a generation of young women to strive for greatness.

    “Chidinma’s achievement is a shining example of the creative and innovative spirit that defines our nation, as she was focused and never gave up in her days of trial.

    “We are proud to celebrate her success and tenacity, and we recognise the impact she has made on the global stage.

    Read Also: Miss Universe 2024: Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulates Chidimma Adetshina on achievement

    “Her commitment to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy aligns with our ministry’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive creative economy,” she said.

    Minister Musawa also commended Chidinma for her exceptional representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

    She said that Adetshina’s cultural performance at the event served as a catalyst for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

    “Chidinma is a shining star and Nigeria’s pride. Nigerians are proud to celebrate her success and recognise the impact that she has made on the global stage.

    “As we celebrate Chidinma’s success, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering creative talents, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields”, Musawa said.

    (NAN) 

  • I’m tired, Nigerian-South African Miss Universe contestant cries out

    I’m tired, Nigerian-South African Miss Universe contestant cries out

    • Bemoans trauma over identity controversy

    Next weekend in faraway Mexico, Nigeria’s representative in this year’s Miss Universe contest, Chidinma Adetshina, will be fulfilling her childhood ambition of featuring in the glamourous global show.

    The journey as she noted in a social media video has been tortuous and discouraging but the quest to wear the golden crown has kept firing her on.

    “My mind says I’m tired, I can’t do it anymore, but my heart is saying don’t give up.

    “This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma,” she said.

    Indeed, the beauty queen had passed through thick and thin to get this far.

    Some months back, she was nearly disgraced by the South African government, when her South African identity was queried.

    Read Also: Caging NPFL’s monsters

    In fact, her problem started when she became a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant only to face backlash over her eligibility due to her Mozambican and Nigerian heritage.

    In her recent video on social media, she opened up about her challenging journey to the upcoming Miss Universe contest in Mexico.

    “This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma.

    “The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving. However I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.”

    Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe competition has dominated headlines.

    After that, she joined the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and was crowned the winner, representing Taraba State. She is set to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe event on November 16.

    She said she has dreamt of walking the Miss Universe stage since 2017.

    “Seven years later, I, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina will be walking the Miss Universe stage. Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfillment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality.

    “This achievement is not only mine but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa. Your support and encouragement have been the fuel to my fire.”

    As Adetshina prepares to take the stage in Mexico, she’s been sharing updates about her journey on social media, from stunning photos to day-to-day activities leading up to the final.

  • Chidinma Adetshina returns to Nigeria for Miss Universe Nigeria pageant

    Chidinma Adetshina returns to Nigeria for Miss Universe Nigeria pageant

    After a 20-year absence, Chidimma Adetshina, has made a comeback to her father’s homeland to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.

    The former Miss South Africa finalist expressed her excitement to reconnect with her roots and immerse herself in Nigerian culture.

    According to her, she is determined to win the crown and utilise her platform to promote unity and celebrate diversity.

    Her participation in the pageant comes after she was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition due to a nationality dispute and xenophobic attacks.

    Read Also: Chidinma Adetshina was bullied – Tyla defends ex-Miss South Africa finalist

    She will represent Taraba State as Contestant Number 25 in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, with the grand finale scheduled for August 31, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    She said: “I’m just thrilled to be back in my father’s land after 20 years,” Chidimma shared with the press.

    “I’m eager to immerse myself in the culture and learn more about where I truly come from. My goal is obviously to win the crown.

    “As someone who has faced adversity, I want to use my story to bring people together. We should value diversity and celebrate our differences—it’s the key to building a stronger community where everyone is recognised and appreciated.”