Bayelsa State representative Tamunosoye Karibi-George has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the international stage at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to take place in Vietnam later this year.
The highly anticipated pageant finale was held on Saturday at the prestigious Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, where contestants from across the country competed for the coveted title.
Karibi-George emerged victorious after standing out among 20 finalists who participated in this year’s competition, which was themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”
The 26-year-old beauty queen, who hails from Port Harcourt in Rivers State and represented Bayelsa State in the contest, impressed judges with her confidence, intelligence, stage presence, and commitment to social impact.
Following her victory, she will carry Nigeria’s hopes to the 73rd Miss World Festival, which is set to hold in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
Announcing the result, Silverbird Group founder and former senator Ben Murray-Bruce celebrated the emergence of the new queen and praised her dedication to humanitarian causes.
“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 stated.
Murray-Bruce emphasized that Karibi-George’s success extends beyond beauty and pageantry, highlighting her advocacy initiative known as Beyond Labels. The project focuses on promoting inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for 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,” he said.
He added that her purpose-driven approach, poise, and passion distinguished her throughout the competition and contributed significantly to her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026.
“Her purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation,” Murray-Bruce noted.
The former lawmaker also called on Nigerians to rally behind the new titleholder as she prepares for the global competition.
“Now, the journey continues. Nigeria stands proudly behind you as you prepare to represent our great nation on the global stage at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam. Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud,” he added.
The Miss World Nigeria pageant remains one of the country’s most respected beauty competitions. Organised annually by the Silverbird Group, the event selects Nigeria’s representative for the global Miss World contest, which is widely recognised for its “Beauty with a Purpose” philosophy that combines beauty, leadership, and humanitarian service.
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Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who held the title in 2025 and represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World competition in Hyderabad, India. Raimi delivered an impressive performance at the international event, reaching the Top 20 and securing a place among the Top Five contestants from Africa.
