Miss Universe Nigeria's Chidimma Adisha Crowned 1st Runner-Up in 2024 Pageant
Chidimma Adisha, representing Nigeria, made history by being crowned the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant held on November 17th in Mexico. The 23-year-old beauty queen was edged out by Denmark's Victoria Kilig, who claimed the coveted title of Miss Universe. The competition featured nearly 130 contestants, showcasing a wide range of beauty, talent, and cultural representation.
In a remarkable show of resilience and determination, Chidimma Adisha not only secured her place among the elite final contestants but also became an icon for her nation and continent. The second runner-up position was awarded to Maria Fernanda Beltran from Mexico, and representatives from Thailand and Venezuela rounded out the top five. Adisha's impressive journey included reaching the top 30 alongside contestants like Zimbabwe's Aila Dub and Egypt's Loina Salah, both of whom brought diverse backgrounds to the international stage.
This year's pageant introduced new participation criteria, allowing women over the age of 28 to compete. This change reflects a progressive shift within the Miss Universe organization, which had previously allowed pregnant women, mothers, and married women to join in 2023, expanding the inclusivity of the competition.
Overcoming Challenges
Adisha’s path to the Miss Universe title has not been easy. Prior to her participation in the Miss Universe pageant, she was a contestant in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, where she made it to the top 13 finalists. However, her journey was derailed by an investigation into her nationality launched by the South African government, following allegations regarding her mother's background.
The investigation centered on claims that Adisha's mother may have illegally acquired South African nationality documents, raising concerns about the legality of Adisha's status. In light of the unfolding situation, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant on August 8th, prioritizing her family's safety and well-being.
After her withdrawal, and with the previous Miss Universe Nigeria contestant stepping down for health reasons, she was invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria. Accepting the offer, Adisha won the national title on August 31st, representing Taraba State amidst fierce competition among 25 contestants.
Despite her unexpected path, Chidimma Adisha expressed immense gratitude for her achievement and the support she received from fellow Nigerians and the broader African community. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Not for myself only but for Nigeria because they supported me, but not only for Nigeria but for Africa.”
As the first runner-up, she walks away with an unspecified cash prize and access to various beauty products, continuing her legacy and commitment to empowering young women across the continent.
Adisha's close encounter with the crown is not merely a personal victory but also a platform to inspire hope and dreams among young women globally. The Miss Universe organization judges participants on confidence, authenticity, and their grace under pressure, attributes that Adisha displayed throughout the competition.
The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kilig, will enjoy a one-year salary of $250,000, along with a whirlwind of international travel and a supply of exclusive cosmetics and luxury jewelry. The Miss Universe pageant has long been a celebration of beauty intertwined with purpose, and Adisha’s journey is a testament to the evolving narrative of representation and resilience within this storied competition.
As the pageant continues to push boundaries, Adisha’s story will linger on as a beacon of hope, insisting that dreams, no matter how difficult to achieve, are always within reach for those who dare to pursue them.
Part 1/7:
Miss Universe Nigeria's Chidimma Adisha Crowned 1st Runner-Up in 2024 Pageant
Chidimma Adisha, representing Nigeria, made history by being crowned the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant held on November 17th in Mexico. The 23-year-old beauty queen was edged out by Denmark's Victoria Kilig, who claimed the coveted title of Miss Universe. The competition featured nearly 130 contestants, showcasing a wide range of beauty, talent, and cultural representation.
The Journey to the Top
Part 2/7:
In a remarkable show of resilience and determination, Chidimma Adisha not only secured her place among the elite final contestants but also became an icon for her nation and continent. The second runner-up position was awarded to Maria Fernanda Beltran from Mexico, and representatives from Thailand and Venezuela rounded out the top five. Adisha's impressive journey included reaching the top 30 alongside contestants like Zimbabwe's Aila Dub and Egypt's Loina Salah, both of whom brought diverse backgrounds to the international stage.
Part 3/7:
This year's pageant introduced new participation criteria, allowing women over the age of 28 to compete. This change reflects a progressive shift within the Miss Universe organization, which had previously allowed pregnant women, mothers, and married women to join in 2023, expanding the inclusivity of the competition.
Overcoming Challenges
Adisha’s path to the Miss Universe title has not been easy. Prior to her participation in the Miss Universe pageant, she was a contestant in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, where she made it to the top 13 finalists. However, her journey was derailed by an investigation into her nationality launched by the South African government, following allegations regarding her mother's background.
Part 4/7:
The investigation centered on claims that Adisha's mother may have illegally acquired South African nationality documents, raising concerns about the legality of Adisha's status. In light of the unfolding situation, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant on August 8th, prioritizing her family's safety and well-being.
After her withdrawal, and with the previous Miss Universe Nigeria contestant stepping down for health reasons, she was invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria. Accepting the offer, Adisha won the national title on August 31st, representing Taraba State amidst fierce competition among 25 contestants.
Celebrating Success and Responsibility
Part 5/7:
Despite her unexpected path, Chidimma Adisha expressed immense gratitude for her achievement and the support she received from fellow Nigerians and the broader African community. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Not for myself only but for Nigeria because they supported me, but not only for Nigeria but for Africa.”
As the first runner-up, she walks away with an unspecified cash prize and access to various beauty products, continuing her legacy and commitment to empowering young women across the continent.
Moving Forward
Part 6/7:
Adisha's close encounter with the crown is not merely a personal victory but also a platform to inspire hope and dreams among young women globally. The Miss Universe organization judges participants on confidence, authenticity, and their grace under pressure, attributes that Adisha displayed throughout the competition.
The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kilig, will enjoy a one-year salary of $250,000, along with a whirlwind of international travel and a supply of exclusive cosmetics and luxury jewelry. The Miss Universe pageant has long been a celebration of beauty intertwined with purpose, and Adisha’s journey is a testament to the evolving narrative of representation and resilience within this storied competition.
Part 7/7:
As the pageant continues to push boundaries, Adisha’s story will linger on as a beacon of hope, insisting that dreams, no matter how difficult to achieve, are always within reach for those who dare to pursue them.