By Abigail Philip David
Renowned beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina has announced her decision to step away from pageantry, citing the emotional toll of her journey to the Miss Universe competition.
Adetshina, who emerged as the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, revealed her struggles during a recent interview on Silverbird TV.
Reflecting on her experience, she described the journey as overwhelming and traumatic, particularly following intense backlash from South Africans who questioned her nationality.
Chidimma’s Emotional Exit
“Finishing in the top two [at Miss Universe] is still a shocker for me,” Adetshina shared. “Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me. People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I want to focus on myself, establish my identity, and further my education.”
The beauty queen also confirmed her plans to relocate back to Nigeria from South Africa, closing a chapter marked by controversy and personal growth.
A Stellar but Challenging Career
Adetshina’s rise to prominence began with her victory as Miss Nigeria, which earned her a spot in Miss South Africa. However, nationality disputes led her to withdraw from the South African contest and represent Nigeria on the global stage instead.
Her resilience paid off, as she achieved remarkable success, including being named first runner-up at Miss Universe—a historic accomplishment for a Nigerian contestant.
Moving Forward
Despite her retirement, Adetshina’s achievements remain a source of inspiration. Her journey highlights both the highs and lows of pageantry, and her decision to step away marks the start of a new chapter focused on personal development and education.
