Tamunosoye Karibi-George is Miss World Nigeria 2026

Tamunosoye Karibi-George from Bayelsa State has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, won among 20 finalists in a competition with the theme "Pride, Power, and Purpose."

She was crowned on Saturday night during the grand finale at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Karibi-George will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group and former lawmaker for Bayelsa East, announced and celebrated the win. He called Karibi-George "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 shared on X on Sunday.

He praised her advocacy work through her initiative Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children 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 added, "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 asked Nigerians to support her as she gets ready to take Nigeria's 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, organised by the Silverbird Group, is one of the top beauty pageants in Nigeria.

It chooses the country's representative for the international Miss World competition, which focuses on "Beauty with a Purpose," encouraging contestants to engage in charitable projects alongside their platform work.

Karibi-George takes over from Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, reaching the Top 20 and placing among the Top 5 from Africa.