Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has made history by being crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition, which took place in Mexico. This prestigious victory places Adetshina at the forefront of global beauty, intelligence, and advocacy, marking a major milestone in her career and for Nigeria's representation on the world stage. Her incredible achievement comes as she finished as the first runner-up, just behind Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who ultimately claimed the highly coveted Miss Universe crown.
This accomplishment is a groundbreaking one, as Adetshina becomes the first-ever Miss Universe Nigeria contestant to secure a top-two position at the Miss Universe pageant. In addition to her remarkable runner-up status, she now holds the titles of Miss Universe Nigeria, Africa, and Oceania, solidifying her role as an ambassador not only for beauty but also for the values of intelligence, advocacy, and diversity in Africa and Oceania.
Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe title was not without its hurdles. Initially participating in the Miss South Africa competition, she withdrew from the pageant due to controversies surrounding her nationality. This setback did not deter her, and she later represented Nigeria in the Miss Nigeria pageant, where she emerged victorious.
Her journey to international recognition serves as an example of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Adetshina’s remarkable success at Miss Universe 2024 has earned her widespread admiration and respect, not only within Nigeria but across Africa. Fans, supporters, and well-wishers have taken to social media and various platforms to celebrate her historic win, viewing it as a major victory not just for Nigeria, but for the African continent as a whole.
Her achievement is seen as a significant step forward in amplifying Nigerian representation in global pageants and in advancing the profile of African women on the international stage. Adetshina’s victory is an inspiration to countless young women across Africa, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing one’s heritage while reaching for global success.