In a historic achievement, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
The 23-year-old beauty queen secured the title as the highest-ranked African contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico City on November 16, 2024.
A Journey of Resilience and Triumph
Adetshina’s journey to this prestigious accolade has been both inspiring and challenging. Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, she initially competed in the Miss South Africa pageant. However, she faced xenophobic backlash and withdrew from the competition due to controversies surrounding her nationality.
Undeterred, Adetshina embraced her Nigerian heritage and entered the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, representing Taraba State. Her resilience paid off when she was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in August 2024, earning her the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Breaking Barriers on the Global Stage
At the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, Adetshina’s poise, intelligence, and advocacy for inclusion and unity resonated with both the judges and the audience. She finished as the first runner-up, making her the highest-placed African contestant in the history of the Miss Universe pageant.
In her acceptance speech, Adetshina expressed gratitude and emphasized the significance of her win for Africa and Oceania. “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to promoting inclusion and acceptance across diverse communities.
A Symbol of African Pride and Representation
Adetshina’s triumph has been celebrated across Nigeria and the African continent, symbolizing resilience and the power of embracing one’s identity amidst adversity. Her journey from facing xenophobic challenges in South Africa to achieving international recognition underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
Many across social media and the entertainment industry have praised her achievement, calling it a defining moment for African representation in global beauty pageants.
Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024: A Platform for Change
As Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024, Adetshina plans to use her platform to advocate for unity, diversity, and the empowerment of women across the regions she represents. She has already announced plans to collaborate with international organizations on projects promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding.
In an interview following her win, Adetshina shared, “I hope to inspire young girls across Africa and beyond to embrace their heritage, stand tall in their identity, and never let adversity define their future.”
The Future of Beauty and Advocacy
Beyond pageantry, Adetshina has expressed interest in working within international development programs that support marginalized communities. Her goal is to create an impact beyond the stage, leveraging her platform to address real-world issues affecting African and Oceanic nations.
With her inspiring journey and groundbreaking win, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina is more than just a beauty queen—she is a beacon of hope, resilience, and African excellence.
