Organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria have invited model Chidimma Adetshina to participate in the 2024 edition after she withdrew from Miss South Africa pageant.
Adetshina pulled out of the pageant on Thursday following attacks over her Nigerian ancestry.
The 23-year-old model, born in Soweto to Nigerian and Mozambican parents, has been the target of xenophobic attacks on social media since being named a finalist in July.
Miss Universe Nigeria, in a statement on Friday signed by its national director Guy Murray-Bruce, said they have been closely following the developments which led to Adetshina’s withdrawal.
The statement said, “As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender.”
The statement urged her to consider the invitation and take part in a “competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence and diversity of Nigerian women.”
It added that if Adetshina wishes to participate all she needed to do is to respond to the invitation and she would be guided through the process.
Mitchel Ihezue is the current Miss Universe Nigeria.
