Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 following a spectacular grand finale held on Saturday night at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The 26-year-old native of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged victorious over 20 other finalists in the competition, which was themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”
With her win, Karibi-George will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
The announcement was made by Silverbird Group founder and former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, in a celebratory post on X on Sunday.
“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 wrote.
Beyond her success on the pageant stage, Karibi-George is widely recognised for her commitment to social impact through her initiative, Beyond Labels, which advocates for the inclusion, dignity, and empowerment of children with special needs. The initiative creates supportive environments where children are encouraged to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
Highlighting her achievements, Murray-Bruce described the new queen as a passionate advocate for change whose intelligence, poise, purpose, and dedication distinguished her throughout the competition.
“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.
Related News:
India’s Hyderabad, Telangana, crowned 72nd Miss World
He added that her outstanding qualities earned her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the aspirations of the nation.
“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 also called on Nigerians to rally behind the beauty queen as she prepares to represent the country on the global stage.
“Nigeria stands proudly behind you as you prepare to represent our great nation 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 the country’s premier beauty pageant responsible for selecting Nigeria’s representative for the international Miss World competition. The global pageant is renowned for its Beauty With a Purpose philosophy, which encourages contestants to champion meaningful charitable and humanitarian projects.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she secured a place in the Top 20 and finished among the Top 5 contestants from Africa.
About the Author
