By Okafor Joseph Afam, November 20, 2024

Chidimma Adetshina, who made history as the first Nigerian to finish as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, has announced her decision to step away from beauty pageantry.

Chidimma’s remarkable achievement on Sunday marked a milestone for Nigeria on the global stage. The Miss Universe 2024 crown went to Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who emerged victorious over 124 contestants from around the world. Theilvig succeeds Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, Miss Universe 2023.

A Historic Journey

Chidimma’s participation in the competition was a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s culture, elegance, and resilience. Her national costume, “Nwanyi-Njiko”, designed by Abanobi Emmanuel Ifechukwu and Modela Couture, symbolized unity, strength, and heritage, drawing praise from audiences worldwide.

Reflecting on her experience, Chidimma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, noting the overwhelming positive reception she received. She told newsmen, “The comments I was getting, everybody was like Nigeria is really showing up this year. I think we really did a good job of putting Nigeria out there. We left Nigeria at a stage where no one is going to forget Nigeria.”

Trauma Behind the Spotlight

Despite the accolades, Chidimma revealed that her pageant journey was far from glamorous, describing it as “traumatic.” She explained how the pressures and emotional toll of the competition often left her feeling drained.

“Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was really a dramatic experience for me. Sometimes I am really down, and I don’t even want to do Miss Universe anymore,” she said.

Chidimma emphasized her desire to move on, focus on personal growth, and further her education. She added, “I am really glad I left on a really good note. I will just focus on myself and establish who I am.”

A New Chapter

While Chidimma may have closed the chapter on beauty pageantry, her groundbreaking achievement has solidified her legacy as a trailblazer for Nigeria in the global pageant arena. Her story continues to inspire countless young women to dream big and represent their heritage with pride.