Ms. Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has pledged to make Nigeria proud during her reign. Adetshina made this commitment during a reception hosted by Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Lagos on Tuesday.
Adetshina, who holds dual citizenship with Nigeria and South Africa, faced xenophobic abuse in South Africa following her invitation to contest for Miss Universe Nigeria, which she ultimately won. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from Nigerians throughout the contest and praised the warm hospitality and friendliness she experienced upon her arrival in Nigeria.
“I want to say thank you for the beautiful reception. I am so honored to be sitting in front of you,” Adetshina said. “I wear this crown with so much pride and I would make Nigeria proud as well.”
The 23-year-old, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, described her experience as overwhelming and positive. “I have actually been looking forward to coming to Nigeria; I told my Dad and myself that this year, I needed to be in Nigeria. I’m glad for this opportunity,” she added. Adetshina recounted her initial nervousness and mixed feelings but noted the warm welcome she received from Nigerians.
NiDCOM Chairman Dr. Dabiri-Erewa praised Adetshina’s resilience, given the challenges she faced during her journey to becoming Miss Universe Nigeria. She advised Nigerians abroad with dual citizenship to value their second citizenship and acknowledged the support Nigeria provides.
“Welcome home, and I’m sure this will be the beginning of more achievements in your life,” Dr. Dabiri-Erewa said. “If you have dual citizenship, don’t take the second one for granted. Nigeria has been there for you in those trying moments.”
Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group and organizer of the Miss Universe Nigeria contest, also commended Adetshina and expressed appreciation for the reception given to the Miss Universe Nigeria team. He highlighted Adetshina’s unique story of overcoming challenges to win the title.
“This story is different because of her dual citizenship and the hurdles she faced,” Murray-Bruce noted. “Thank you for receiving us today and supporting Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina.”