Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026.
The 26-year-old from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was chosen as the winner of a competition titled “Pride, Power, and Purpose”.
She was crowned on Saturday night in a grand finale at the Federal Palace Hotel’s Balmoral Hall in Lagos.
She will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on August 9–September 5, 2026.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group and former Bayelsa East lawmaker, declared and hailed Karibi-George’s victory, describing her as “more than a queen”.
“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!” Murray-Bruce posted on X on Sunday.
He praised her advocacy efforts through the Beyond Labels initiative, which promotes inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with exceptional 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.”
The senator called on Nigerians to support her as she takes the national flag to the global stage.
“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.”
Miss World Nigeria, sponsored by the Silverbird Group, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
It selects the country’s representative for the international Miss World competition, which focuses on “Beauty with a Purpose”, encouraging participants to pursue philanthropic endeavours in addition to their platform work.
Karibi-George replaces Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World competition in Hyderabad, India, finishing in the Top 20 and ranking among Africa’s Top 5.
