In an exciting twist to the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, Shalina Healthcare, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company in Nigeria, introduced an innovative “Identity Recovery Contest” as part of the event, held in Lagos. The contest, centred around Shalina’s flagship product, Shaltoux Lozenges, captivated participants and the audience alike.
As one of the main partners of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Shalina Healthcare brought a dynamic energy to the competition, showcasing the brand’s connection to personal identity with the theme My Voice, My Identity. Contestants were invited to perform short, dramatic presentations illustrating how Shaltoux Lozenges helps in “getting your voice back”—an apt metaphor for reclaiming one’s identity.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Chiuba Nwaosu, Shalina Healthcare’s Marketing Manager, said: “We are proud to be a brand deeply rooted in Africa, operating in over 22 countries. Aside from our head office in Dubai, our presence is solely in Africa, which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the continent.”
The contestants were divided into five teams, each representing a variant of Shaltoux Lozenges—Mint, Baleric, Ginger, Turmeric, and Liquorice. After a series of vibrant and captivating performances, Team Turmeric emerged victorious, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000. In addition, all contestants and guests received special gift boxes.
Nwaosu emphasised Shalina’s commitment to healthcare accessibility, stating: “For us at Shalina Healthcare, it’s not just about business; it’s about touching lives. We won’t rest until every Nigerian and every African has access to quality, affordable healthcare. This is our mission, passed down from our founding fathers, and we take great pride in it.”
He also highlighted the company’s growth over the past 40 years and its diversification into diagnostics and consumer verticals, solidifying its role as a leader in healthcare across Africa.
His words, “The contest is all about finding your identity through Beauty pageantry and I am excited to say Shaltoux Lozenges three natural exciting variants, Ginger Mint, Orange and Honey-Lemon promises to offer you that soothing relief that unlocks your voice, your identity”.
At the end of the pageantry, 23-year-old Chidinma Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. Chidinma, who had earlier withdrawn from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant amid a social media controversy over her nationality, represented Taraba State and triumphed over four other finalists: Miss Rivers, Miss Anambra, Miss Ondo, and Miss Edo.
She will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November. Meanwhile, Miss Anambra, the first runner-up, will participate in the Miss Supranational pageant.
As the new titleholder, Chidinma received a grand prize of ₦10 million. In her acceptance speech, she described the crown as “a call to action,” signalling her readiness to make an impact with her new role.
