For many, the glitz and glamour of beauty pageants represent the pinnacle of achievement, a platform where dreams are realised in front of a global audience.
But for 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina, her journey to the 2024 Miss Universe competition was about more than just titles and crowns.
It was about pushing past her limits, challenging expectations, and proving to herself that she was capable of greatness.
Little did she know, her historic performance would not only put her on the world map but also inspire a new generation of young women in Nigeria and across West Africa.
History At Miss Universe
Having emerged as the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe competition, held on November 16 in Mexico City, Adetshina has already made history.
She became the first-ever runner-up from Nigeria and West Africa, a feat that was beyond her own expectations.
In an emotional moment, Chidimma Adetshina recalled: “I was so emotional when I was called into the top five.
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“I had prepared myself mentally just to make it into the top 30.
“Surpassing my own expectations has made me very proud of myself”.
Why Chidimma Adetshina Is Stepping Back
Despite this incredible achievement, Chidimma has announced her decision to take a step back from the pageant world.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Pidgin after her return to Nigeria, she revealed her plans to focus on her education and explore new opportunities in modelling and acting, saying: “I want to put pageants aside for now and concentrate on my studies.
“I also want to explore other opportunities to establish myself”.
She added: “I’m also looking forward to exploring runways, acting, and seeing where my potential takes me”.
