Former Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina has confirmed that she has accepted an invitation to compete at the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
This comes a week after the 23-year-old model stepped down from the local pageant amid intense pressure.
Chidimma – who has a Nigerian father and an alleged Mozambican mother – has been thrust into the spotlight over questions and concerns over her nationality.
CHIDIMMA ACCEPTS MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA INVITATION
In an Instagram post on their official account, Chidimma Adetshina confirmed that she had accepted an invitation from Miss Universe Nigeria owner Guy James Murray-Bruce to participate in the pageant.
In a video clip, Chidimma thanked her supporters for encouraging her during a difficult period.
She then added: “I say this with great excitement because I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant.
“Now I understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this title. I am so excited to embark on this journey.
“I am looking forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant”.
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FAST-TRACKED TO THE FINALS
Now that she has accepted the invitation, Chidimma has been fast-tracked as the 25th finalist of the competition. The winner of the pageant will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in November.
During a press conference on Wednesday, 14 August, pageant owner Guy James Murray-Bruce said: “She has every right to participate. She is half-Nigerian.”
He added in an Instagram post: “She will be representing the Taraba State. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues her dream.”
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IS SHE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CROWN?
According to Section 25 of the Nigerian Constitution, Chidimma Adetshina may be considered a citizen of Nigeria by birth according to this stipulation:
“Individuals born outside of Nigeria whose parents or grandparents were or are citizens of Nigeria are eligible to apply for citizenship of Nigeria by birth.”
It added: “It is important to note that under this section, it is impossible for a person to claim Nigerian citizenship by birth if none of their parents nor grandparents were born in Nigeria. You must have blood ties in order to be a Nigerian citizen by birth.”
Nigeria, miss universe nigeria, chidimma adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina will compete at the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. This comes a week after she stepped down as a Miss SA finalist. Will she be a favourite in the pageant of her father’s birth?
Images via Instagram:
@chichi_vanessa