Chidimma Adetshina, the Nigerian beauty queen who recently secured the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, has announced her decision to retire from pageantry. In a candid interview with Silverbird TV on November 19, 2024, Adetshina revealed that her experiences in the pageant world have been traumatic, leading her to prioritize personal development and education.
“Finishing in the top two at the Miss Universe competition is still a shocker for me,” Adetshina expressed. “Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me. People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.”
Adetshina’s journey in the pageant industry has been marked by significant challenges and achievements. Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, she initially participated in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant. However, she withdrew from the competition in August 2024 amid controversies surrounding her nationality and allegations of identity fraud involving her parents. This decision was influenced by concerns for her safety and well-being.
Undeterred, Adetshina returned to Nigeria and competed in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. On September 1, 2024, she was crowned the winner, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 competition held in Mexico City.
At the global pageant on November 16, 2024, Adetshina made history by finishing as the first runner-up, marking Nigeria’s highest placement in the Miss Universe pageant to date. She was also honored with the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, recognizing her as the highest-ranked contestant from the region.
Despite these accolades, Adetshina has chosen to step away from the pageant scene. She plans to relocate permanently to Nigeria from South Africa and focus on her education, modeling, and acting career. “I want to put pageantry aside for now and focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma truly is,” she stated in an interview with BBC Pidgin.
Adetshina’s decision has sparked discussions about the pressures and challenges faced by beauty queens, particularly those navigating complex cultural and national identities. Her journey underscores the importance of personal well-being and authenticity in the pursuit of success.
