Chidimma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe
Nigeria after a contentious attempt to compete in Miss South
Africa last month.
Adetshina, 23, born to a Nigerian father and South African
mother in South Africa and of South African citizenship, found herself the
subject of a national row after some South Africans, including a
government minister, opposed her participation because of her
roots. She later withdrew.
"I just want everyone to know that this crown is not
just a crown of beauty, it is going to unite us as one. I am really proud and
grateful that I am going to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe, and I know
we are going to win," an elated Adetshina told the audience.
The row over Adetshina brought into view the
xenophobia experienced by Nigerians in South Africa which has sometimes
descended into violence and attacks against Nigerian businesses in the country.
Adetshina will represent Nigeria at the global Miss Universe pageant in Mexico in November.