Chidimma Adetshina, the embattled Miss South Africa contestant, has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Chidinma was recently subject to controversies over her eligibility to participate in this year’s Miss South African beauty pageant.
The controversy surrounding her nationality rapidly gained traction on social media platforms last month after she qualified for the round of 16. Some X users — predominantly from South Africa — had called for her disqualification.
The South African ministry of home affairs also launched an investigation to determine the nationality of Chidimma.
Following the investigation, the model of Nigerian heritage pulled out from the final of the Miss South Africa pageant which was held on August 10.
The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria would later invite Chidimma to participate in this year’s pageant.
On Wednesday, Chidimma revealed her decision to accept the invitation for the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
The 23-year-old model expressed excitement that she will be participating in what she described as “Africa’s most prestigious” pageant.
Chidimma also thanked the organisers for allowing her to take part in the pageant.
“With great excitement, I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant,” she said in social media post shared by Ben Murray-Bruce, the founder of Silverbird Group, the pageant organisers.
“Now, I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title and I’m so excited to be back on this journey.
“I just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.”
Chidimma was born in Soweto, South Africa. She is believed to be of Nigerian (dad) and Mozambican (mum) heritage.
Last week, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Chidimma said her decision to withdraw from the country’s competition was for the “safety of my family and I”.
