Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina made history at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, emerging as the first runner-up and claiming the title of Africa and Oceania Regional Winner. The event, held at the Arena Ciudad in Mexico City, featured a record-breaking 130 contestants, surpassing the 94 participants of the 2018 edition.
Miss Denmark, Viktoria Kjaer Theivlig, an entrepreneur, dancer, and animal rights activist, clinched the overall crown, but Adetshina’s journey captured global attention. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother in South Africa, the 23-year-old beauty queen faced intense online bullying in South Africa amid allegations of tribal and xenophobic discrimination.
Adetshina relocated to Nigeria, where she won the national competition with ease, representing the country with grace and determination on the international stage. Her achievement has reignited conversations about tribalism, xenophobia, and the need for genuine unity in Africa.
The Miss Universe journey took a dramatic turn when South Africa’s representative, Mia Le Roux, abruptly withdrew from the competition in Mexico due to health concerns. The news fueled online speculation, with many Nigerians citing “karma” for the backlash Adetshina faced in South Africa.
Adetshina’s story has been hailed as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and collective spirit. However, it also underscores broader issues plaguing the continent, such as exclusionary practices and the lack of true African solidarity. Critics point out that while African nations promote ideals of unity, actions often betray these values.
Her triumph also draws comparisons to global standards of inclusion, where non-native individuals like Barack Obama, Rishi Sunak, and Kemi Badenoch have ascended to leadership roles in Europe and America. Africa, by contrast, struggles with internal divisions that undermine its progress.
Adetshina’s success serves as a rallying point for Nigerians and Africans to reflect on the importance of unity, inclusion, and collective pride in showcasing the continent’s beauty and excellence to the world.
