The 22-year-old model was invited to take part in Miss Universe Nigeria after questions were raised about her South African nationality.
Speaking after her arrival in Nigeria, former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adesina, said she hoped to use the opportunity at Miss Universe Nigeria to unite people and promote diversity.
“I'm very happy to be here on my father's land. I want to experience more of this land. This is my first time here in 20 years. I want to learn more about the culture here and where I come from,” Adesina said in the video.
“My goal, of course, is to be crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, but I also have an impact that I want to share with everyone. As a woman who has obviously faced adversity, I want to use my experience to bring people together,” she said.
Internal Affairs
The 22-year-old model was invited to take part in Miss Universe Nigeria after questions were raised about her South African nationality.
“I want us to value diversity and celebrate our differences. [sic] This will help build a stronger community from which everyone can benefit.
“I received an invitation from the Silverbird Group, the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. I am very excited as I have decided to accept the invitation,” Adezeena asserted last week.
She accepted the invitation after the Home Office uncovered allegations of fraud and identity theft involving her mother.
On Tuesday, the portfolio committee on Home Affairs was informed that two Home Affairs officials were under investigation for their alleged involvement in a fraud case allegedly perpetrated by Adetosina's mother.
Attorney Constance Moitze, head of the anti-corruption unit, informed the committee that they had identified a mother and child who were victims of the alleged identity theft.
The mother, born in 1982, applied for an identity card in Tshwane in 1995.
When she went to collect her ID in the capital, officials told her she would receive it in Johannesburg, where she had not applied for it.
She later gave birth to a child in 2001. When she tried to register the birth of her child, she was informed that a child had already been registered under her ID number – Adetosina.
ALSO READ: Chidimma Adesina: Ministry of Interior identifies victims of identity theft, two officials under investigation
Miss Universe Nigeria
Miss Universe Nigeria invited Adesina following her decision to withdraw from the South African competition.
“We are aware of the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the difficulties you may be facing. In light of these events we would like to extend our support and encouragement.
“We believe that your journey in the world of beauty pageants is not over yet and that you still have many opportunities to showcase your talent, grace and beauty,” the statement read.
Adesina will represent Taraba state in northeastern Nigeria.
Miss Universe Nigeria is thrilled to welcome Miss Chidimma Adesina to Nigeria as one of the contestants. Welcome! #MissUniverseNigeria pic.twitter.com/PYBSwJoFOS
— Ben Murray Bruce (@benmurraybruce) August 21, 2024
Miss Universe Nigeria is an offshoot of the “Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria” pageant organised by Silverbird Communications.
According to its website, the main aim of the pageant is to provide a platform for Nigerian women to showcase their beauty, intelligence and cultural pride to the world.
Miss Universe Nigeria strives to maintain the highest standards of excellence and the winner will have the honour of representing Nigeria on the world stage at the Miss Universe International Pageant.
Last year’s winner, Ugochi Ihezue, represented Imo State.
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