Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
The 23-year-old, who made history as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City, shared this during an interview with BBC upon her return to Nigeria.
“I am putting pageant to bed right now, but I want to focus more on my education and obviously establishing who Chidimma is, more into runways, more into acting, so many things I would like to touch on and really see where my potentials can go to,” she said, reflecting on her future aspirations.

In another video circulating online, she said her decision is permanent.
It is permanent. I have decided that I’m no longer going to do pageants anymore. I feel like I did my best. I made myself proud. I made Nigeria proud, and I really outdid myself. I don’t think there’s anything more that I could do. Also, it was really a traumatic experience for me, and I don’t think that I would like to revisit this again as well. So, I think it’s just something I’m going to have to put behind me, but it’s also going to be something I hold in my heart.”
Taking to social media today, November 19, 2024, Adetshina penned an emotional note:
“I came, I saw, and I shook the universe. Returning home as Miss Universe First Runner-Up and Miss Universe Africa & Oceania. I’m filled with immense gratitude for Nigeria and Africa for believing in me and helping me reclaim my dreams. This is what it truly means for dreams to come true.
“A heartfelt thank you to Silverbird Group, Chichi Nation, and everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. Your recognition means the world. God bless you all.”

Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was not without challenges. Earlier this year, she participated in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant but withdrew following controversies surrounding her ties to the country.
At the Miss Universe 2024 finale, Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig emerged as the winner, succeeding Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, the 2023 titleholder.
Adetshina’s accomplishment has reignited pride across Nigeria and Africa, further solidifying her status as a beacon of hope and inspiration