The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has made a historic decision by officially inviting Chidimma Adetshina to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This unprecedented decision marks an important moment in the history of the pageant.
The Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, organized by Silverbird Productions, is a platform where the winner represents Nigeria as a delegate of Miss Universe.
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, which will see the winner of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 compete, will be held in Mexico in November.
Ugochi Mitchell Ihezue emerged as Miss Universe Nigeria 2023, while Sectra Okundaye, the first runner-up, was crowned Miss Supranational Nigeria 2023.
Ms Adestshina, 23, emerged as a central figure in the debate over xenophobia and discussions about national identity in South Africa after advancing to the Top 30 and becoming a finalist in the Miss SA competition.
She received a wave of support and criticism, some even questioning her South African identity. This decision led her to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest, which Mia le Roux won on Saturday night.
Taking to Instagram, the young woman made a strong statement announcing her decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant. The announcement highlighted her concerns for the safety of her family.
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This decision and announcement sparked many emotions, including an invitation from Miss Universe Nigeria, a highly prestigious global brand. This invitation is significant because it not only recognises Chidimma’s courage, but also opens a new chapter in the history of Miss Universe Nigeria.
Miss Universe Nigeria reached out to Chidimma via Instagram on Saturday, acknowledging her challenges and offering her support.
“We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments surrounding your decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. We recognise the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may face. In light of these events, we would like to extend our support and encouragement to you,” reads the message signed by the National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray Bruce.
Miss Universe Nigeria expressed her belief that Ms. Adetshina’s pageant journey is far from over and invited her to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant.
“As a Nigerian by descent, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity for you to represent your father’s homeland at the international level and we believe you would be an outstanding candidate,” the invitation read.
The organization noted that the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant celebrates the strength, intelligence and diversity of Nigerian women. They encouraged her to consider this opportunity and stressed that the legendary pageant is a platform to showcase these extraordinary qualities.
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“If you wish to participate, all you have to do is respond to this invitation and we will be happy to guide you through the next steps. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you continue your journey in the pageant world with the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant,” they added.
Since its inception in 1983, Miss Universe Nigeria has never invited anyone. This unprecedented decision to invite Adetshina sets a new standard and opens the door for similar events in the future.
At the time of writing, Ms. Adetshina had not responded to the invitation.