Johannesburg – Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, has announced her retirement from the world of beauty pageants, a decision she says is driven by a desire to focus on her education and personal well-being.
The 23-year-old beauty queen, who finished as first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico, made the announcement during a series of media appearances in Nigeria, her father's homeland, following a triumphant homecoming.
Adetshina's journey to the Miss Universe stage has been anything but straightforward. Born in Soweto to a Mozambican mother and Nigerian father, her identity has been the subject of a criminal investigation by the Hawks and Home Affairs in South Africa, with her mother facing potential fraud and identity theft charges related to her birth registration.
Despite these personal challenges, Adetshina's performance at Miss Universe 2024 was remarkable. She exceeded her own expectations, progressing from a predicted top 30 finish to securing a place in the top two, ultimately winning the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title. "I felt I was only going to make the top 30, and I was OK with it," she recalled.
"When I made the top 12, I was like, ‘Oh my word, I made it this far’. I was very happy because I got to go to the evening gown round, but I had no expectations for the top five. To see myself in the top two was an incredible moment."
Her achievement was met with a hero's welcome upon her return to Nigeria. Taking to Instagram, she expressed her gratitude: "I came, I saw and I shook the universe. Returning home as Miss Universe first runner-Up and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. I’m filled with immense gratitude for Nigeria and Africa for believing in me and helping me reclaim my dreams. This is what it truly means for dreams to come true. A heartfelt thank you to Silverbird Group, Chichi Nation and everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. Your recognition means the world. God bless you all."
However, the journey, she admits, has taken a toll. In an interview with BBC News Pidgin, she articulated her decision to step away from pageants: “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to,” she said. “I’m glad it’s all done so I can focus on myself and my mental health. I think that’s important for me.”
She elaborated on the emotional challenges in a subsequent interview: “It is permanent. I have decided I’m no longer going to do pageants. I feel like I did my best. I made myself proud. I made Nigeria proud, and I outdid myself. I don’t think there’s anything more I could do. It was a traumatic experience for me, and I don’t think I would like to revisit this again. It’s something I’m going to have to put behind me, but it’s also something I hold in my heart.” She described the journey as "so hard," revealing that she often concealed her struggles to avoid causing offence.
Speculation surrounding her departure has been rife, fuelled by a video circulating online that appeared to show make-up artists neglecting Adetshina while attending to other contestants. While Adetshina hasn’t directly addressed the video, comments on social media platforms like Instagram expressed outrage, with some alleging racism. Comments such as "@miyakemakeup: What about Nigeria? No one’s going to touch up a black Barbie!" and "@mandipamasuku: That’s blatant racism omg!! The only black girl on the stage doesn’t get hairspray, make, touch ups!!!" highlighted the concerns.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Adetshina maintains a positive outlook. In a press interview, she addressed her feelings towards South Africa, stating: “I think after winning I really put that behind me. I am now a representation of not only Nigeria but Africa and that includes South Africa as well.
"So there is no bad blood. I’m still really grateful for this opportunity and I really hope that someday we’ll still come together and really get rid of all this hate and banter that we used to joke around. Because I think most of the time we tend not to know the difference, some people think it’s just a joke, while some people really do take it personally… Me being crowned Miss Universe Africa was for a reason.” Her statement underscores her commitment to representing the entire African continent.
Adetshina's future plans include furthering her studies, having previously studied law at Varsity College in Cape Town. She is expected to fulfil her duties as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024, which reportedly includes a $100,000 cash prize and a one-year lease in New York.
While her immediate future lies in Nigeria, where she is currently undertaking press tours, her long-term plans remain focused on personal growth and academic pursuits. Her story is one of resilience, achievement, and ultimately, a conscious decision to prioritise personal well-being over the pressures of the beauty pageant world.
