Miss Universe Nigeria finalist Ufa Dania, who represented Kwara, has revealed that she has not received the money raised to facilitate her visit to South Africa.
Following the pageant in 2024, Dania became a fan favorite in South Africa after many rallied behind her during the competition.
In response, her supporters launched a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to sponsor her trip.
Despite an initial target of R100,000, only R8,800 was raised.
However, in a recent TikTok video, Dania stated that she has been unable to access the funds despite multiple attempts to contact the campaign organizer, Reginald Mathule Kanyane.
“A man by the name of Reggie contacted me after the pageantry about raising funds to get me to South Africa, and I agreed. He assured me the money wouldn’t disappear and would be used for the trip,” she said.
Dania explained that, given the amount raised, she suggested donating the money to her foundation instead.
However, Kanyane insisted he needed to consult the donors first.
In a WhatsApp exchange, Kanyane assured her the money would be sent.
“Best believe I will send you what’s due to you. I am not one who steals or moves with people’s money. Now I am operating under a high level of stress, but it should be done in two weeks,” he wrote.
After weeks of waiting, Dania followed up again, at which point Kanyane requested her banking details and a bank statement for verification.
However, when she asked for his full name and address to process the documents, he stopped responding. She has not heard from him since February.
“I don’t know where the money is. I just want to ensure that he refunds the people who donated since the goal was to get me to South Africa. I’m not speaking to him anymore because the back and forth is too much,” she said.
Dania gained significant support from South Africans after the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Many Nigerians suggested that the support was intended to spite Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist who withdrew from the South African pageant due to controversies regarding her nationality.
When Adetshina eventually won Miss Universe Nigeria, Dania’s fans launched the fundraising campaign to bring her to South Africa, a plan that now remains uncertain.
