Nigerians have voiced their unhappiness about Chidimma Adetshina winning the title of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
In a segment of News Central TV, the hosts shared that Adetshina should have just received publicity only, instead of being crowned, as there were other contestants that deserved to win.
News Central TV’s segment, “Jasiri” recently released an episode regarding Adesthina’s win in the pageant.
“Jasiri“ is an all-women segment which tackles issues such as social injustice and gender inequality. It also includes conversations about pop culture, personal empowerment, thought-provoking insights and courageous conversations.
The hosts for this segment which aired on September 2, were Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, Blessings Mosugu,Katherine Obiang and Omotunde Adebowale-David.
Adetshina’s win has sparked a lot of controversy online and the hosts of the Jasiri segment shared their thoughts about Adetshina being Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Adeleru-Balogun posed the question: “Was there somebody not presenting Taraba State before? If there was, then you removed somebody who was presenting Taraba to put her in that place. She has never been to Taraba.”
The women shared their thoughts on how unfair it is that Adetshina was not supposed to participate and win because it is unfair to the Miss Universe Nigeria contestants who went through all the application and training processes prior to the pageant.
In addition, they further mentioned that protocols were broken for Adetshina to participate and win. And the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 does not know anything about Nigeria since she spent her entire life in South Africa.
Adeleru-Balogun said: “The brand itself is trying to rebrand ‘the most beautiful girl in Nigeria' to ‘Miss Universe Nigeria’. The ratings have been low, nobody talks about the pageants anymore. For me, this was an attempt to get back in the news, done in the wrong way.”
X users from Nigeria also weighed in on their new Miss Universe Nigeria.
X user, @flourish007 commented under @OurFavOnlineDoc post and said: “It is disappointing and shameful. She had an unfair advantage over others. I won’t be joining in the celebration of this.”
X user @leslie_kkkay commented: “They gave her the win to spite South Africans, unfair to other contestants.”
Another X user @Bidal4life commented: “We all know she won cause of the South African issue. This is unfair to other girls.”
X user @_DebbieOA commented: “Being invited to contest is enough publicity, this is really unfair to other girls who worked hard for this.”
Adetshina broke down when she was sharing her side of her story on Silverbird TV, from being in one pageant to another in less than a month and her experience from the treatment she got from South Africans.
Silverbird TV - Nigeria's leading TV station - posted the interview with Adetshina on instagram.
Adetshina mentioned in an interview that she entered Miss SA first in 2022 and she did not make the cut. However, she tried again in 2023 and she progressed far in the competition, making it to the Top 16.
“It all started because of my name. People were not happy that my name is Chidimma and I am representing South Africa. So that is where it actually really started.
“South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name. It was really sad to see, it was a very horrible experience and I wouldn't wish it on anybody because I have lived there for 23 years and it is heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed or accepted,” she said.
She further stated that it broke her heart that she had to withdraw from the pageant when she was closer to the finals.
The 23-year-old beauty queen and mother of one shared that her plan as a Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 is to contribute and impact people globally.
IOL