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Summary
Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina put Nigeria on the map as she emerged as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe Competition. This feat makes her number two in the world—the highest ranking a Nigerian has ever gotten in the global competition.
Popular model and current Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has emerged as the first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico in Nov. 2024, making her the new Miss Universe, Nigeria, Africa, and Oceania.
Chidimma, who was appointed as the brand ambassador of Enugu State after she won Miss Universe Nigeria, represented Nigeria in the global pageant, which ended on Nov. 17, 2024. She emerged as the first runner-up, coming second only to Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer. This ranking has been revealed to be the highest a Nigerian representative has reached since Agbani Darego ranked number 10 in the pageant in 2001.
Chidimma – who was brutally bullied by Xenophobic South Africans and accused of identity theft – expressed her gratitude to Nigerians and Africans who stood by her through her lows.
“To Nigeria: Thank You is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much, but I was ready to give up on my life, but you became my strength.” she said. “On days I never wanted to fight, you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me,”
She also stated that this was not the end of her journey but the beginning, and that the journey had taught her the power of unity.
“As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice and my story touched many and brought us together. This journey has taught me the power of Unity. I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebrate one another.”
Nigerians have also taken to social media to celebrate her achievement, praising her strong will to stand tall amidst the bullying and threats she faced.
“Chidimma Adetshina—what a story! First runner-up is no mean feat. She’s taught us a thing or two about standing tall. I’m rooting so hard for her,” Twitter user @ulxma tweeted.
“Her story is crazy. From being disqualified in a country, to qualifying at the last minute in another country. Winning that competition and going on to the finals to be top 2 out of 125 participants. See GRACE,” @AyoSophs also stated on X.
