As the controversy around former Miss South Africa 2024 finalist Chidimma Adetshina continues to unravel, organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant have extended an invitation for the the model to participate in the 2024 edition.
South Africa-born Adetshina has been embroiled in an extensive nationality row, following an uproar when she rose to the finals of the Miss SA contest. Following a probe into Adetshina’s citizenship, the national Department of Home Affairs earlier this week announced it has uncovered prima facie evidence that the Miss SA hopeful’s mother might have committed identity theft.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber.
It was revealed that Adetshina’s father was ostensibly Nigerian while the 23-year-old law student’s mother was believed to be from neighbouring Mozambique.
In a lengthy statement, Schreiber said an innocent South African mother had her identity stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother.
IOL reported that just days before the Miss South African pageant, Adetshina has withdrawn from the glitzy competition.
In the latest turn of events, the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant said it believes Adetshina’s journey in the world of pageantry is nowhere near its end.
“We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing,” said national director Guy Murray-Bruce.
“in light of these events, we want to extend our support and encouragement. We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over and that there are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace and beauty.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender,” said Murray-Bruce.
The Nigerian pageant urged Adetshina to consider the opportunity and take part in “a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women”.
In Adetshina’s statement withdrawing from the Miss SA contest, the 23-year-old expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her during her journey.
“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all,” read her statement.
IOL