JUST IN: Poco Lee to Face London Court on September 15 Over Alleged Assault — Nigerians in UK Leader

  Popular Nigerian dancer and socialite Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is currently on remand in the United Kingdom and is expected to appear before a London court in September over an alleged assault, according to Benjamin Kuti, also known as the Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Community of Nigerians in the UK. Kuti, who confirmed the development in a conversation with our correspondent on Monday, said Poco Lee is currently in a UK prison and is scheduled to appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am. Kuti said he was privy to the development because he regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians involved in legal matters in the UK. “I can confirm that the reports are true. Poco Lee is currently on remand in a UK prison. His next court date is scheduled for the second week of September, when he is expected to have a plea hearing,” he said.   Police bullet has made my right hand dead, made my life difficult – Lagos man0:00 / 0:00 He explained that a plea hearing would ordinarily involve the accused entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea. Kuti added that he planned to attend the proceedings as part of his support for members of the Nigerian community in the UK. “I will also be attending the court proceedings as part of my support for the Nigerian community in the UK, to ensure that our fellow Nigerian receives the appropriate support during this difficult period of his life. “It is important that we allow the legal process to take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His hearing would be at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am,” Kuti said. Reports of Poco Lee’s alleged detention in the UK began circulating online on August 19. Early reports, however, did not disclose the identity of the alleged complainant, the circumstances of the alleged offence or whether formal charges had been filed. Several reports also noted that UK police or a court had not initially independently confirmed the arrest. Meanwhile, an email sent to the court to confirm the details of the trial had not yet been answered at the time of filing this report.

Nigerians, Others to Pay More as Canada Raises Residency and Citizenship Costs

  The Government of Canada has announced an increase in application fees for permanent residencevv and citizenship for Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking residency in the country. The new fees will take effect on April 30, 2026, according to an official notice published on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, sighted by The PUNCH on Monday. IRCC said the hike was aimed at maintaining timely and reliable services and keeping pace with inflation. “Starting April 30, 2026, fees for permanent resident applications will increase as part of a routine update. Applications received on or after April 30 will be subject to the new fees,” it said. The agency noted that permanent residence fees will increase by as low as $25, while the citizenship fee will rise by approximately 2.7 per cent. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increases by $25, from $575 to $600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme increases by $40, from $950 to $990 For Business Class, there’s an increase of $85, from $1,810 to $1,895, while Family Class increases by $25, from $545 to $570. For Protected Persons, there is an increase of $25, from $635 to $660, while the fee for a visa on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures increases by $25, from $635 to $660 Permit Holders increase by $15, from $375 to $390, with the Right of Citizenship Fee also increasing from $119.75 to $123, effective March 31, 2026. IRCC explained that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years to offset programme costs and respond to growing demand.

Nigerians to see Better Electricity Supply Within Two Weeks – Adelabu’s Aide

  The Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Olowoniyi, says Nigerians should begin to see gradual improvement in electricity supply as maintenance work on a major gas pipeline nears completion, with full restoration expected within two weeks. Olowoniyi stated this on Thursday while appearing on Arise TV, days after the minister, Adebayo Adelabu, issued a public apology over the persistent power outages that have deepened hardship across homes, businesses, schools and industries in recent weeks. Defending the minister’s apology, Olowoniyi said it reflected strong leadership rather than an admission of personal culpability. “I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector. “Not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, he just took—it was the right leadership step to say, okay, I take ownership of this issue, and I’m going to prefer a solution that would ensure power supply comes back in the shortest available time,” Olowoniyi said. He explained that the current crisis was largely driven by disruptions to a key gas pipeline that supplies fuel to power plants, noting that about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity generation is gas-dependent. “One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed. We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the gas pipelines, and the power plants will be able to get enough gas at least to go back to their level of generation that they had in the last two to three months,” he said. Olowoniyi expressed confidence that the recovery process had already begun, saying improvements would be gradual but steady. “I would already say that from yesterday, we would have gradually started to see some improvement as the pressure on the pipeline gradually starts to build up, and we will see continuous improvement over the next couple of weeks,” he said. The development follows Adelabu’s public apology on Tuesday in Abuja, where he told Nigerians that the outages were caused by factors beyond the government’s immediate control but gave a firm two-week timeline for recovery. “I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, and the timeline for repair of the gas pipelines, two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu had said. The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s target of ramping up electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current disruption as a temporary setback. Nigeria’s power sector has long grappled with a combination of inadequate gas supply, ageing infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks and persistent liquidity challenges across the value chain.

US Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Links to Boko Haram, Cybercrime

  The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This was contained in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, released by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and sighted by the correspondent on Monday. The document also identified individuals sanctioned for cybercrime-related offences and other security threats. The pronouncement comes on the heels of recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria; and Miyetti Allah Kautal were recommended by United States lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes. The OFAC document, titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” detailed individuals of other nationalities and entities whose assets had been frozen, serving as a reference tool. It also provided notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals, whose property and interests were blocked as part of counter-terrorism efforts. According to OFAC, the move forms part of its broader efforts to block the property and interests of Specially Designated Nationals and prevent financial dealings with them. “This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said. Among those listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria. Yusuf was identified as having ties to Boko Haram and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. Yusuf was among six Nigerians convicted in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria. The six men were convicted in the UAE for attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria. Another individual, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria, was designated under SDNTK sanctions. He appeared under several aliases, including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso. Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa. He was reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, and was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions. Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995. He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions. Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, whose name appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was linked to Boko Haram and listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman. Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram. Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL. Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport. The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Nigerians listed under the US Treasury sanctions face asset freezes under Executive Order 13224. The United States officially designated Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organisation in 2013. According to the US State Department, the group is responsible for numerous attacks in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, that have killed thousands of people since 2009. The US Secretary of State determines countries that have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Such countries are designated under three laws: Section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. In October 2025, for the second time, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the US Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” Trump, in a post on X, explained that Nigeria would be placed on a religious freedom watchlist, alleging that Christians were facing persecution and being killed by Muslims. Nigeria was first designated as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under President Trump, but former President Joe Biden removed Nigeria from the list shortly after assuming office.

OLUBADAN: “Your Suffering Has Yielded Progress, Growth – Tinubu Tells Nigerians, As Makinde Presents Instruments Of Office To Oba Ladoja •••Oba Ladoja Demands For Creation Of Ibadan State

OLUBADAN: “Your Suffering Has Yielded Progress, Growth – Tinubu Tells Nigerians, As Makinde Presents Instruments Of Office To Oba Ladoja  •••Oba Ladoja Demands For Creation Of Ibadan State

  IBADAN – THE President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has commended Nigerians for their resilience and patience in the face of recent economic and social challenges, assuring the nation that their sacrifices are not in vain and are already yielding progress and growth. Speaking on Friday at the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, held at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the President acknowledged the perseverance of citizens through difficult times, while promising better days ahead. “I know the times have been hard, but your suffering is not without purpose. The path we are on is already bearing fruits of progress, and I can assure you that we are laying a solid foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future,” Tinubu said. While addressing the large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens, the President paid tribute to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, describing him as “a monarch of wisdom, peace, and vision.” The president said Ladoja had faced many challenges as governor which led to his removal, adding that he was happy that the former governor was reinstated. “Let me salute the lucky Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa 1st. And all other traditional rulers.” “Today is an important occasion. I am happy to witness the history and your coronation. It is a great honor and moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forebears. It is my honor. “I take this opportunity to salute former governors, Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gbenga Daniel.” “This moment is not for long speeches. To many of you here present today, I am honored.” “Kabiyesi Oba Rashidi Ladoja is not only a man of immense experience but one deeply loved by his people. His ascension to the throne marks a new era of hope and unity for Ibadanland.” “I have no doubt that under his leadership, Ibadan will witness even greater development,” Tinubu stated. He further reiterated his commitment to working with traditional institutions and state governments to ensure peace, security, and economic revitalisation across the country. Earlier in his remarks, Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, congratulated the newly installed monarch, pledging the full support of his administration to the Olubadan in delivering on his responsibilities. “This occasion is a reminder of our rich heritage and the stability of our traditional institution. Kabiyesi Ladoja is a symbol of continuity and progress.” “The Oyo State Government will stand firmly behind him in promoting peace and development across Ibadanland,” Makinde said. The governor also called on all residents and stakeholders in Ibadan to rally behind the new monarch, adding that unity among the people will fast-track the city’s socio-economic growth. In his acceptance speech, Oba Rashidi Ladoja expressed deep appreciation for development, highlighting the need for renewed commitment to Ibadan’s development. He also used the platform to make a passionate appeal for the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo State for accelerated development. “Your Excellency, I have been inundated with calls by our people to inform you of our demand for Ibadan State, out of the present Oyo State, for accelerated development.” “It will gladden our hearts to see Ibadan State created with your maximum support, Mr. President,” the monarch said. Addressing issues of social concern, the Olubadan vowed to tackle the menace of street urchins (popularly known as area boys) within the city. “We are irrevocably committed to reducing the cases of area boys in Ibadan. Soon, we shall launch a multi-billion Naira Economic Development Programme to revive companies that once thrived here and create jobs for our youths.” Reflecting on his long journey to the throne, the monarch described it as a divine journey, not driven by power or wealth, but by destiny. “It is not by power, influence, connection, or money that we are where we are today. I thank God for guiding me from the starting line as Mogaji in 1992 to this point.” He pledged to be a father to all, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political affiliation, and called on all arms of traditional leadership in Ibadan to join hands in ensuring peace and development. “As Olubadan of Ibadanland, I pledge to promote peace, love, and unity among our diverse peoples. I shall not do it alone, I have the full backing of the Olubadan-in-Council, our local chiefs, and titleholders,” he added. The coronation event was graced by Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, among others. Traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Olori Ashley Ogunwusi and His Royal Highness Obalufe of Ife, Oba Adediwura, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Soun of Ogbomosho, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye and the Oluwo of Iwo.

Nigerians to Pay $80 Duty On US shipments – NIPOST

Nigerians to Pay  Duty On US shipments – NIPOST

  The Nigerian Postal Service has announced that, with effect from August 29, 2025, all postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States, except letters and documents, will attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent. In a public notice to its customers on Friday, NIPOST explained that the new charges stem from a recent Executive Order signed by the Government of the United States of America suspending de minimis exemptions for all postal shipments globally. The directive, it said, was issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. “The Nigerian Postal Service wishes to inform our esteemed customers of a recent policy change by the Government of the United States of America, enacted through the Executive Order on ‘Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries’ under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act,” the notice read. According to NIPOST, the decision by Washington applies to all designated postal operators worldwide and is not limited to Nigeria. “This Executive Order applies to all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide, and the payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States, not just those from Nigeria,” it added. The agency said the new measure will have far-reaching implications for Nigerians sending parcels and goods to family, friends and business partners in the U.S It warned that global logistics operations were already adjusting to the policy, with airlines and cargo carriers adopting stricter protocols in handling shipments destined for America. “Global logistics operations are also being affected, as airline and cargo carriers adopt more cautious measures in handling U.S.-bound shipments. This may extend both transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays,” NIPOST stated. The notice further stated that all U.S.-bound items would undergo additional Customs checks on arrival. This, officials said, may compound waiting times for recipients. NIPOST, however, assured customers that it was actively working with international partners to cushion the impact. “NIPOST is actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience,” the agency said. The postal service reiterated its commitment to ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery despite what it described as a “global regulatory adjustment.” It added, “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment.” The PUNCH reports that the United States on Friday ended tariff exemptions on small packages entering the country from abroad, in a move that has sparked concern among small businesses and warnings of consumer price hikes. President Donald Trump’s administration cited the use of low-value shipments to evade tariffs and smuggle drugs in ending duty-free treatment for parcels valued at or under $800. Instead, packages will either be subject to the tariff level applicable to their country of origin or face a specific duty ranging from $80 to $200 per item. But exclusions for some personal items and gifts remain. Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, told reporters that closing this “loophole” helps restrict the flow of “narcotics and other dangerous and prohibited items” while bringing fresh tariff revenues. But the monthlong lead time Trump’s order provided has sparked a frenzy. Postal services, including in France, Germany, Italy, India, Australia and Japan, earlier said most US-bound packages would no longer be accepted.

Only Nigerians Can Stop Tinubu In 2027 – Amaechi

  A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised Nigerians for being too passive in the face of worsening hardship. Amaechi said the country needs a bold and radical shift to bring about change. He stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the public launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey by the Africa Polling Institute. Amaechi lamented the state of the nation and blamed citizens for allowing a small group of elites to dominate the country. “The elites who are stealing Nigerian money are not up to 100,000, but you have 200 million Nigerians who can fight them. “You sit down in your house and complain and grumble. The elites know you’re not happy. But you made yourself helpless. “Nigeria is the most docile society I’ve seen in my life. Any revolution without blood is a failure,” he said. Amaechi warned that without mass involvement and real sacrifice, President Bola Tinubu would return to power in 2027. “The only way you can stop Tinubu is to run an election of Nigerians versus the bandits,” he said. The former governor of Rivers State also revealed that he had officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress, adding that he had long distanced himself from the party’s activities. He also knocked the current political leadership, claiming things were better under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He said, “I left APC last night. I warned them not to invite me to any meeting again. “People want Buhari back because things were better during his time. Look at the exchange rate. Then it was about ₦460 to a dollar; now it’s over ₦1,500.” According to Amaechi, inflation and hunger are at crisis levels, and the government seems focused on consolidating power rather than helping citizens. “Any government that doesn’t consider the people is not worth it,” he added. He expressed disappointment with how labour unions and student bodies have lost their voices. He stated, “In the past, ASUU, NLC and NANS could shut down the government with coordinated protests. Now NLC can’t even mobilise. Why? Ethnicity.” Drawing on his experience as a governor, he noted that economic decline always leads to rising crime, saying, “Once robbery and kidnapping increase, I know there’s no money in circulation. Once people are paid, they spend money, and the crime rate drops.” Amaechi also admitted he considered leaving the country but was talked out of it by his wife. “I wanted to japa, but my wife said Nigeria is still lovely,” he said. Punch

Call Me Names, I’ll Still Defend Your Right,’ Tinubu Tells Nigerians

  President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged Nigeria’s security agencies not to harass citizens for criticising his government, reaffirming his commitment to protecting democratic rights, particularly the right to free speech. Speaking at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja during his Democracy Day address, the President said criticism—even of perceived unpleasant policies—must be tolerated in a democratic society. He said, “Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. “Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents, if they think well, though. We do not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term. “While malicious slander and libel should not go unattended, no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names.” Tinubu pledged to continue upholding Nigerians’ right to free speech, saying, “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. “Call me any names. I’m not here to make you happy politically and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.” Tinubu urged lawmakers and political loyalists to value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might. He said, “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression and rights over might. Be tolerant and broad-minded in your legislative action regarding speech and civil liberties. “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for.” PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu also dismissed insinuations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, including members of opposition parties. However, he admitted that he takes pleasure in seeing opposition parties in disarray and has no plans to help them organise themselves. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he said. Punch  

Combiart Dispersible Tablet: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Of Fake Anti-Malaria Drugs In Circulation

  NAFDAC, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has raised an alert over the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg in Nigeria. NAFDAC disclosed this via a post on its X handle. According to the agency, the product is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India. “This product was discovered in the FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities conducted by officers of the Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate of NAFDAC. “The laboratory report of the analysis carried out on the product revealed that it contained zero active pharmaceutical ingredients. The product was also observed to have two different date markings. The NAFDAC database of registered products confirmed that the product licence has expired, and the NAFDAC registration number on it is incorrect and does not belong to the product. “The Artemether and Lumefantrine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as antimalarials. It treats malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by mosquito bites. However, this medicine is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria,” NAFDAC stated. The agency warned that counterfeit medicines pose significant risks to health as they do not meet regulatory standards, meaning their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be assured. It added that counterfeit medicines often fail to effectively treat conditions, leading to severe health consequences, including death. NAFDAC identified the product’s batch number as 7225119, with a NAFDAC registration number of A11-0299. It noted that the manufacturing dates on the product were June 2023 and February 2023, while the expiry dates were May 2026 and June 2026. The manufacturer’s name and address were listed as: Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore (562 106), India. The agency directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove counterfeit products from circulation. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers were urged to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. “All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC advised. Healthcare professionals and consumers were also urged to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made via the NAFDAC hotline at 0800-162-3322 or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Similarly, adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicines or devices should be reported through the NAFDAC e-reporting platform on its website, the Med-Safety app (available on Android and iOS), or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng. NAFDAC noted that the alert will also be uploaded to the World Health Organisation Global Surveillance and Monitoring System.

“You Lifted Me at My Lowest” – Adetshina Tells Nigerians After Miss Universe Achievement

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, has expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and Africans for their support, which contributed to her historic achievement at Miss Universe 2024. During the final moments of the prestigious event at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning, a thrilling showdown unfolded between Adetshina and Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, as the two women vied for the coveted crown. In the end, Miss Denmark, Theilvig, claimed the title, succeeding Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. Following the competition, Adetshina took to Instagram to share her appreciation. The beauty queen recalled how Nigerians supported her during her lowest, and how Africa as a continent taught her the power of unity in the pursuit of success. She wrote, “To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me. She also addressed the African continent, saying, “To Africa: thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice, my story touched many and brought us together. This journey has taught me the power of Unity. I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebrate one another.” Chidimma Adetshina concluded by emphasising that this moment marks the beginning of her journey, not its end.