By Mark Ogagan
The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria have invited Chidimma Adetshina to participate in its 2024 pageant.
The embattled Miss South Africa contestant, was recently a subject to controversies over her eligibility to participate in that country’s beauty pageant.
The 23-year-old was born in Soweto, South Africa. She is believed to be of Nigerian (dad) and Mozambican (mum) heritage.
The controversy surrounding her nationality rapidly gained traction on social media platforms last month after she qualified for the round of 16.
Her participation in the pageant attracted harsh criticism, with some X users calling for her disqualification.
The South African ministry of home affairs would later launch an investigation to determine the nationality of Chidimma.
On Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Following the investigation, the model of Nigerian heritage pulled out from the Miss South Africa pageant.
Chidimma said her decision to withdraw from the competition was for the “safety of my family and I”.
In a statement on Friday, Miss Universe Nigeria invited the model to participate in this year’s pageant.
The pageant organisers said Chidimma will have the “opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.
“We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over and that there are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace and beauty,” the statement reads.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant.
“This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender.
“We encourage you to consider this opportunity and take part in a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women.
“Should you wish to participate, all you need to do is respond to this invitation, and we will be delighted to guide you through the next steps.
“We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you continue your journey in pageantry with the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.”
Chidimma was among the 10 women expected to participate in the Miss South Africa grand finale on August 10, 2024, in Pretoria.
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