Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially appointed Chidimma Adetshina, the current Miss Universe Nigeria, as the state’s ambassador. The governor made this announcement on Thursday during a visit by Chidimma and her father, Okechukwu Onwe, to the Government House in Enugu. The appointment marks an important moment for the state as it recognizes the achievements of one of its own on an international stage.
Governor Mbah praised Chidimma's resilience and determination, emphasizing her ability to overcome personal and professional challenges. He described her as a shining example of the spirit of Enugu, a true representation of the strength, courage, and tenacity of its people. The governor further highlighted how Chidimma's story of perseverance serves as an inspiration not only to the youth of the state but also to young girls across Nigeria, who look up to her as a role model.
"Your story is one of inspiration, Chidimma," Mbah said during the meeting. "Despite the efforts to discourage and malign you, you have proven yourself to be a true daughter of Enugu State. You faced those challenges head-on with the grit and resilience that the people of this state are known for. I believe you can serve as a powerful influence on our young people, especially girls, motivating them to push through adversity and pursue their dreams."
The governor assured Chidimma of the state's full support as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, set to take place in Mexico. He encouraged her to use her platform not only to promote Nigeria but also to inspire and mentor the younger generation. According to Governor Mbah, Chidimma's journey can be a beacon of hope and encouragement, showing young people that success is achievable through hard work, resilience, and determination.
Chidimma, in response, expressed her deep gratitude to the people of Enugu for the warm reception she has received since returning home. She acknowledged the challenges she has faced, both in her personal life and throughout her career, and emphasized the importance of sharing her story with others.
"I truly believe that my story is a powerful one," Chidimma said. "Not just here in Nigeria, but across the world. Many young people can relate to my journey and can learn valuable lessons from my experiences. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent Enugu and to inspire the next generation of leaders."
Chidimma, who was born in 2001 in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father from Enugu and a Mozambican-born mother, has had a tumultuous journey to success. Earlier this year, she found herself at the center of a controversy while competing in the Miss South Africa pageant. Her nationality became a point of contention, and following accusations by the South African Department of Home Affairs that her mother had engaged in fraud and identity theft, Chidimma chose to withdraw from the competition. She has since denied all the allegations against her and her family, maintaining her innocence throughout the ordeal.
Following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant, Chidimma made the decision to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she ultimately emerged as the winner on August 14, 2023. Despite facing criticism and accusations that she won "out of pity" due to the controversy surrounding her, Chidimma has firmly defended her title. She insists that her victory was the result of her dedication, hard work, and perseverance, and she continues to stand by the integrity of the competition.
As the newly appointed ambassador for Enugu State, Chidimma Adetshina is expected to play an important role in inspiring and engaging with young people across the state. Through her example of resilience, she will serve as a symbol of hope, showing that no matter the obstacles, success is possible for those who remain determined and steadfast in their goals.