Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, was born in 2002, won a title in a South African beauty pageant.
She had to withdraw from Miss Universe South Africa 2024 due to her dual citizenship but later won Miss Universe Nigeria the same year.
Adetshina will be representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico.
FACTS ABOUT CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA
- FULL NAME: Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina
- DATE OF BIRTH: 2002
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Soweto, South Africa
- NATIONALITY: South African, Nigerian
- OCCUPATIONS: Model, Netball Player
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, faced issues with her South African identity papers when her mother’s citizenship was investigated by the Department of Home Affairs in October 2024.
Adetshina, a law student in 2024, was raised in Cape Town.
CAREER
Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant was questioned due to concerns regarding her citizenship eligibility.
The South African Department of Home Affairs conducted an investigation revealing possible irregularities in her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001.
Despite the public support she received, the situation led to controversy with parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters backing Adetshina while others like the African National Congress and Patriotic Alliance called for an inquiry into her nationality.
The miss South Africa pageant maintained that Adetshina met all the requirements for participation.
As a result of mistreatment towards Adetshina in South Africa, the Puebla International Festival organizers rescinded invitations to South African panelists and guests due to perceived violations of justice, equality, and human dignity.
After winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, representing Taraba State, Adetshina is scheduled to compete in the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in November 2024.
PERSONAL LIFE
She was previously married but now divorced, with a child from the marriage.