Bayelsa’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026

Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has emerged as Miss World Nigeria 2026 after winning the national crown at the pageant’s grand finale in Lagos.

The 26-year-old beauty queen outshone 19 other finalists to clinch the coveted title during the event held on Saturday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel. Although she represented Bayelsa State in the competition, Karibi-George is an indigene of Rivers State.

Her victory earns her the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.

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This year’s pageant, themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” featured contestants from across the country competing for the prestigious crown.

Founder of the Silverbird Group and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, announced the winner in a post on X on Sunday, congratulating the new queen on her achievement.

“WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins. Please join us in celebrating Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, as the newly crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026!” he wrote.

Murray-Bruce also praised Karibi-George’s advocacy initiative, Beyond Labels, which focuses on supporting children living with special needs.

“More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity and empowerment for children with special needs, creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.

“Her purpose, poise, intelligence and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation,” he added.

The former lawmaker urged Nigerians to support the new queen as she prepares to represent the country on the global stage.

“Now, the journey continues. Nigeria stands proudly behind you as you prepare to represent our great nation at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam.

“Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud,” he said.

Organised annually by the Silverbird Group, Miss World Nigeria serves as the country’s official platform for selecting representatives to the global Miss World competition. The pageant places strong emphasis on humanitarian projects through the internationally recognised Beauty With a Purpose initiative.

Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd edition of Miss World in Hyderabad, India, where she finished among the Top 20 contestants and ranked among the Top Five representatives from Africa