The winner of Miss World Nigeria 2026 has been announced. Tamunosoye Karibi-George, a 26-year-old model representing Bayelsa State, clinched the crown on Saturday night, May 6, 2026. The grand finale took place at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
Victory and Advocacy
Karibi-George emerged victorious among 20 finalists in a competition themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.” She will now represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
Silverbird Group founder and former senator Ben Murray-Bruce announced her victory on X, declaring: “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!”
Beyond Labels Initiative
Murray-Bruce praised her advocacy work through her initiative, Beyond Labels, which promotes inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs. He described her as “more than a queen” whose purpose, poise, and passion earned her the crown. He urged Nigerians to support her as she prepares to carry the national flag to the global stage: “Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud.”
Related News: Chidimma Adetshina
In related news, former beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, also known as Chichi Vanessa, has reacted to online criticism after she declared interest in the reality TV show Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). The Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty queen expressed excitement as her reign ended and shared her plans for the next move.
In a video, Chidimma promised to disclose everything that happened during her reign and shared how much she enjoyed her time in Nigeria. She stated that a lot of opportunities abound in Nigeria and said she would return once her documents were sorted. She also recalled how her management prevented her from participating in the recently concluded BBNaija season 10 because she was still a queen at the time the show began. Chidimma revealed she was looking forward to the 2026 edition.
Reacting to a social media post by Legit.ng, a user named Ngwakwanalethole accused the beauty model of enjoying the benefits in Nigeria but refusing to live there. Chidimma responded: “How can I settle when I have serious issues that need to be solved? Just because you're not in my shoes, please don't speak for me respectfully.”
Chidimma Adetshina Bows Out of Pageantry
Legit.ng earlier reported that Chidimma Adetshina decided to permanently step away from beauty pageants. She emerged as the first runner-up to Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico and disclosed her desire to focus on her education. During a press conference, she reaffirmed her decision, stating that she had done her best.
