Miss Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, turned heads on November 14, 2024, at the Miss Universe Nigeria cultural showcase with a stunning traditional outfit that blended elegance with history.
The event, a highlight of the Miss Universe pageant, required contestants to represent their nations through cultural attire, and Chidimma embraced the challenge with remarkable dedication.
Chidimma’s ensemble was a breathtaking fusion of traditional Nigerian aesthetics and contemporary design. The flowing garment featured bold patterns and a rich palette of black, gold, red, and earth tones, evoking deep cultural significance.
Central to the design were symbolic motifs and abstract artwork inspired by African history and heritage, creating a narrative steeped in identity and pride. The outfit’s most captivating element was the elaborate headpiece, styled as a radiant crown with golden afro combs arranged in a halo-like design. Adorned with black and white beads, the headpiece highlighted the cultural importance of natural hair and traditional African adornments. Paired with a choker of large cream-colored beads, the look exuded regality, paying homage to the queens of ancient Africa.
The ensemble wasn’t just an outfit—it was a powerful statement celebrating African beauty, resilience, and royalty. Chidimma’s radiant smile and confident demeanor amplified the outfit’s impact, ensuring all eyes were on her as she proudly represented Nigeria on the global stage.
Chidimma’s road to Miss Universe wasn’t without challenges. Originally disqualified from the Miss South Africa pageant due to her Nigerian identity, she found a supportive platform in the Miss Nigeria pageantry, where she emerged victorious. Despite her success, Chidimma faced xenophobic hostility from some South African locals, which led her to delete her X (formerly Twitter) account amid the backlash.
In an unexpected twist, Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, withdrew from the competition citing health concerns, adding a layer of intrigue to the event.
This year’s Miss Universe brought together 90 contestants from across the globe, showcasing not only beauty but intelligence, talent, and cultural pride. Chidimma’s bold and vibrant portrayal of Nigeria’s heritage stood out, proving that the Miss Universe stage is not only about glamour but also about celebrating identity and diversity.