By: Natasha Archary

In what can only be described as a full-circle moment, Chidimma Adetshina broke into tears when she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, 31 August.
The 23-year-old law student, born in South Africa faced controversy as a finalist in the Miss SA 2024 pageant due to her Nigerian surname and questions around her nationality.
Due to public pressure calling for her removal from the contest, an investigation into Chidimma’s citizenship was launched and prima facie evidence pointed to her mother allegedly committing identity theft and fraud.
Chidimma subsequently withdrew from Miss SA and was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, which she accepted.
The divorced single mom hoped her diversity would help her clinch the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
Chidimma’s father is Nigerian and she claimed her mother, who is of Mozambican descent, was born in South Africa.
Having never set foot in Nigeria before the pageant, Chidimma said she was enjoying learning more about her Nigerian heritage.
Chidimma’s vision is to build bridges instead of walls and use her title as Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 to promote unity and acceptance.
She would like to use her story to inspire people to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, respected and treated with dignity.
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