The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has celebrated Chidinma Adetshina’s exceptional performance at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, describing it as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for excellence.
Chidinma, who finished as the first runner-up, also earned the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, marking the highest-ever placement for an African contestant in the pageant’s history. The grand finale, held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, saw Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, triumph over 124 contestants to claim the crown in a thrilling showdown between Nigeria and Denmark.
“Chidinma’s achievement is a shining example of the creative and innovative spirit that defines our nation,” Minister Musawa said. “She remained focused and never gave up during her days of trial. We are proud to celebrate her success and tenacity and recognise her impact on the global stage.”
The minister lauded Chidinma’s representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting how her performance promoted tourism, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
“Her commitment to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy aligns with our ministry’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive creative economy. Chidinma is a shining star and Nigeria’s pride,” Musawa stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting creative talents, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields.
Read Also: Chidimma Adetshina Dazzles At Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Cultural Showcase
Following her historic finish, Chidinma took to Instagram to express her heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians and Africans for their unwavering support.
“To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest… I’m so grateful for everyone walking this journey with me,” she wrote in an emotional post.
She also thanked Africa as a continent, saying, “Africa fought for me, my voice; my story touched many and brought us together. This journey has taught me the power of unity. I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebrate one another.”
Her post underscored a message of hope and resilience, as she promised that her journey was far from over: “This is not the end but the beginning of my journey. Love, Miss Universe 1st runner-up.”
