Chidinma Adetshina, representing Taraba State, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, triumphing over 24 other contestants to claim the prestigious title.
Adetshina secured the crown at the grand finale of the beauty pageant held on Saturday night at Eko Hotel and Suites. The 23-year-old law student had previously made headlines after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant due to controversy surrounding her Nigerian heritage, but she emerged as a fan favorite in this competition, garnering the highest number of votes.
As the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma will represent the country at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, set to take place later this year in Mexico. She takes over from last year’s winner, Mitchell Ikachukwu, and will continue to showcase Nigerian beauty and excellence on the global stage.
In addition to Adetshina’s victory, Miss Anambra was named the first runner-up, also known as Miss Supranational, while Miss Ondo took the title of second runner-up, known as Miss Lush. Special awards were also presented, with Miss Oyo winning the Top Model award, Miss Imo receiving Best Costume, and Miss Abuja taking home the Best Talent award.
The top 10 finalists included contestants from Kwara, Edo, Taraba, Anambra, Ogun, Plateau, Lagos, Rivers, Ekiti, and Ondo states. The final five contestants were from Taraba, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Anambra, with Miss Taraba ultimately emerging as the new Miss Universe Nigeria based on the judges’ scorecards.
Chidinma Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant came just a day after the South African Home Affairs ministry accused her mother of fraud and identity theft. Following intense xenophobic attacks on social media and scrutiny over her Nigerian background, Adetshina decided to withdraw from the competition, prioritizing the safety and well-being of her family.