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South African Beauty Queen Crowned Miss Nigeria After Nationality Controversy
In a surprising turn of events, Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen with Nigerian heritage, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. This victory came after Adetshina faced a turbulent period marked by a nationality row and xenophobic backlash in South Africa.
A Complicated Journey to the Crown
Chidimma Adetshina, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, had been competing in the Miss South Africa pageant earlier this year. However, her participation sparked significant controversy and xenophobic attacks when it was revealed that her mother might have stolen the identity of a South African woman. In response to the backlash and out of concern for her family’s safety, Adetshina decided to withdraw from the competition in July.
“This journey has been a tough journey for me,” Adetshina told Agence France-Presse (AFP) shortly after being crowned in Nigeria. “I am so proud of myself, and I’m really grateful for the love and the support. This is something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m really glad that I have a second shot at achieving it.”
Support from Nigeria Amidst Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, the organizers of the Nigerian beauty contest saw an opportunity to embrace Adetshina’s Nigerian roots. They invited her to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria finals, giving her a chance to represent her father’s native land on the international stage.
Adetshina’s crowning was met with a warm reception in Nigeria. Her story has sparked conversations about xenophobia, tribalism, and the need for unity among African nations. First runner-up Paula Ezendu, echoing these sentiments, told AFP, “We all need to stop with the xenophobia … with the tribalism. We’re all one family. We’re all human beings.”
Looking Forward to the Miss Universe Competition
Despite the challenges and controversies, Adetshina remains optimistic about her future and her upcoming role as Nigeria’s representative at the international Miss Universe competition in November. She expressed gratitude towards South Africa, acknowledging the support she received from the country, even amidst the nationality row. “I know we are going to win,” she confidently told reporters.
Adetshina’s journey from facing xenophobic backlash in South Africa to being crowned Miss Universe Nigeria is a testament to her resilience and determination. As she prepares to represent Nigeria on the global stage, her story continues to inspire discussions about unity, identity, and the importance of embracing diverse backgrounds in a world often divided by borders and cultural differences.
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