Ufa Dania, a finalist in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant who represented Kwara State, has revealed that she has not received the money raised by supporters to sponsor her trip to South Africa.
After the pageant, Dania became a fan favorite in South Africa, prompting supporters to launch a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign. Despite an initial goal of R100,000, only R8,800 was raised.
However, in a recent TikTok video, Dania stated that she has been unable to access the funds, despite multiple attempts to contact the campaign organizer, Reginald Mathule Kanyane.
“A man by the name of Reggie contacted me after the pageantry about raising funds to get me to South Africa, and I agreed. He assured me the money wouldn’t disappear and would be used for the trip.”
Dania later suggested that the funds be donated to her foundation, but Kanyane insisted on consulting donors first. In WhatsApp messages, he assured her that the money would be transferred, stating:
“Best believe I will send you what’s due to you. I am not one who steals or moves with people’s money. Now I am operating under a high level of stress, but it should be done in two weeks.”
Weeks later, Kanyane requested her banking details and bank statement for verification. However, when Dania asked for his full name and address for processing, he stopped responding and has been silent since February.
Now, Dania demands that the money be refunded to the donors, as she no longer wishes to engage in further back-and-forth.
Her popularity in South Africa initially surged due to perceived tensions surrounding Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist who withdrew from the pageant due to nationality controversies.
When Adetshina later won Miss Universe Nigeria, Dania’s fans pushed for her visit to South Africa—a plan that now seems uncertain.
