Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 after winning the national title at the pageant’s glamorous grand finale in Lagos on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old beauty queen secured the coveted crown ahead of 19 other finalists during a vibrant ceremony held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel. Although she flew the flag for Bayelsa State throughout the high-stakes competition, Karibi-George is a native of neighbouring Rivers State.
Her historic triumph earns her the exclusive privilege of representing Nigeria on the global stage at the 73rd Miss World Festival, which is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 9 August to 5 September 2026.
This year’s national contest, which carried the evocative theme “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” saw exceptionally talented candidates from across the federation vying for the top spot, showcasing intelligence, poise, and cultural heritage.
Ben Murray-Bruce, a former senator and the founder of the Silverbird Group—the organisation behind the long-running pageant—announced the official results in a celebratory public statement on Sunday, offering his warm congratulations to the newly minted 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!” Mr Murray-Bruce wrote.
The veteran media executive went on to highly commend Karibi-George’s extensive advocacy efforts, specifically highlighting her dedicated work through her personal initiative, Beyond Labels, which focuses on supporting children living with special needs.
“More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change,” Mr Murray-Bruce remarked. “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.”
Looking ahead to the global showcase, Mr Murray-Bruce passionately urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to rally behind the new queen during her upcoming international campaign.
“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.
Organised annually by the Silverbird Group, Miss World Nigeria remains the country’s premier official selection platform for the global Miss World competition. True to the international body’s ethos, the national pageant places a massive structural emphasis on impactful humanitarian projects under its signature “Beauty with a Purpose” banner.
Karibi-George succeeds the outgoing 2025 queen, Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria with distinction at the 72nd edition of Miss World in Hyderabad, India. Raimi left a remarkable footprint on the international stage, finishing comfortably among the global Top 20 contestants and ranking within the Top Five overall representatives from Africa.
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