Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has made history by emerging as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday.

The event, which featured contestants from 126 countries, concluded with Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig winning the coveted crown, succeeding Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The final moments of the pageant saw an intense face-off between Adetshina and Theilvig, as the two stood poised to claim the prestigious title.

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While Theilvig was ultimately crowned, Adetshina’s performance earned widespread admiration and marked one of Nigeria’s strongest showings in the competition’s history.

Reacting to her achievement, Adetshina expressed her excitement and pride. “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!” she said in an interview shared by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation on X.com.

Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was both inspiring and challenging. Earlier this year, she faced controversy after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, where she had reached the final stage.

The issue, which centered on her nationality, did not deter her ambitions. Shortly after, she competed in and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title, representing Taraba State, and secured her spot on the global stage.

Adetshina’s performance in Mexico has been hailed as exceptional, with her grace and charisma earning accolades from judges and audiences alike.

Her achievement stands as a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring young women across Nigeria and beyond.

Although the crown went to Denmark, Adetshina’s historic finish reinforces her role as a global ambassador for Nigerian talent and culture.

In a significant development for the Miss South Africa Organisation, reigning Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, citing health concerns.

The organisation confirmed Le Roux’s decision in a statement released on Friday, with the 24-year-old expressing her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from South Africans.

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Le Roux described her decision as a “challenging” one, acknowledging the weight of expectations placed upon her. “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux shared in her statement.

“Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.

“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”

The Miss South Africa Organisation also extended its support to Le Roux, applauding her resilience during this difficult time. “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation said.

“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”

Le Roux’s withdrawal comes after a year of controversies that have impacted the Miss South Africa pageant.

Earlier this year, the pageant made headlines when contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who has Nigerian and South African heritage, pulled out of the competition following social media backlash over her nationality.

Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, but faced criticism about her cultural identity.

The controversy surrounding Adetshina deepened when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs opened an investigation that reportedly uncovered allegations her mother may have committed identity theft.

Amid the fallout, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she went on to win.

Following these developments, Mia Le Roux, who has Boer heritage, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.

While Le Roux’s decision to step down from Miss Universe has disappointed fans, her choice underscores the pressure and scrutiny pageant participants often face.

Moses Korede Are, the veteran actor best known for his role as “Baba Gbenro” in the iconic Mount Zion series Abattoir, has passed away.

The news of his death was confirmed on Thursday by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who shared the announcement on his verified Instagram account.

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Born on June 11, 1959, in Kano State, Nigeria, Are spent his formative years in the northern region before relocating to Plateau State and eventually completing his education in southwestern Nigeria.

Throughout his career, Are made a lasting impact on the Nigerian gospel film industry, particularly with his memorable portrayal in Abattoir, a role that earned him admiration from audiences and colleagues alike.

Adejumobi paid tribute to his late friend, saying, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.”

The actor’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow gospel film stars.

Gospel actor Zoe Adeola expressed her sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Rest in peace, Baba Gbenro. Your role in Abattoir will definitely leave a great memory of you in our minds. So painful.”

Moses Korede Are’s contributions to gospel filmmaking have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring his legacy will be remembered by both fans and fellow actors for years to come.