Shehu Sani Condemns Xenophobia As Nigerian Model Chidinma Withdraws from Miss South Africa Pageant

In a recent development, former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has condemned the xenophobic backlash faced by Nigerian model Chidinma Adetshina, who was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant following petitions by South African citizens questioning her eligibility to represent the country.

Chidinma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican/South African mother, found herself at the center of a controversy after advancing to the finals of the prestigious pageant. Many South Africans took to social media to express their outrage, claiming that Adetshina, despite being born and raised in the country, was not qualified to compete due to her Nigerian heritage.

In a tweet, Shehu Sani expressed his sympathy for Adetshina’s situation, stating, “No matter how you try to integrate and belong to another country other than your own, someday you will be reminded that you are a foreigner. The rise of the far-right movement in Europe and America and the xenophobia in South Africa are cases in point. What happened to Chidimma in SA is unfortunate.”

The petitions against Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and national identity in the country. Despite being a South African citizen, Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage was seen by some as a disqualifying factor, reflecting the broader challenges faced by immigrants and their descendants in navigating societal acceptance.

Sani’s comments draw parallels between the xenophobic attitudes in South Africa and the rise of far-right movements in other parts of the world, emphasizing the global nature of the issue. His statement underscores the need for greater understanding, tolerance, and inclusivity within societies, where individuals can feel a sense of belonging regardless of their ethnic or national origins.

As the controversy surrounding Adetshina’s withdrawal from the pageant continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social cohesion and the need for proactive measures to address xenophobia and promote diversity in South Africa and beyond…..See_More