Miss Danielle Adewusi of Lagos State has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, defeating 19 other contestants at the pageant’s grand finale in Lagos.
The finale took place on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, after weeks of competition that included camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances.
Silverbird stated that Adewusi won over the judges with her “confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact” before claiming the crown following the final question-and-answer session.
The Top 10 contestants were Danielle Adewusi of Lagos, Anita Osikhena of Edo, Myya Jones of Cross River, Melissa Toghanro of Delta, Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti, Benedicta Iferike of Abuja, Chidinma Oluku of Abia, Precious Chinah of Rivers, Eno Idungafa of Akwa Ibom and Edidiong Udoidua of Ebonyi.
Silverbird reported that Jones earned the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting process, which secured her an automatic spot in the Top Five.
Toghanro also became Nigeria’s representative at Miss Supranational, while Osikhena was among the night’s major award winners.
Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving ₦1m from Yolo Island along with a two-night, all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort.
She also took home the Best Advocacy Project award, winning ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other special award winners include:
Most Photogenic: Miss Akwa Ibom
Miss Amity: Miss Ekiti
Best Evening Dress: Miss Edo
Top Model: Miss Oyo
Best National Costume: Miss Osun
Best Talent: Miss Ogun
As the ceremony drew to a close, the crown was placed on Adewusi by Guy Murray-Bruce, President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria.
At the 75th Miss Universe Festival, set to take place on November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Adewusi will represent Nigeria.
She will also bring her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project, which centers on women’s health, to the global stage.
