Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026. The 26-year-old beauty queen secured the title on Saturday during the pageant's grand finale held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, after emerging ahead of 19 other finalists.
Background and Achievements
Karibi-George, an indigene of Rivers State, will fly Nigeria's flag at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026. The competition, which carried the theme, "Pride, Power, and Purpose," brought together contestants from different parts of the country to compete for the national crown.
Founder's Congratulations
Founder of the Silverbird Group and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, announced the result and congratulated the new queen in a 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!" Murray-Bruce wrote.
He also praised her humanitarian efforts through her project, Beyond Labels, which advocates for children living 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. Her purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation."
Support for the New Queen
Murray-Bruce further called on Nigerians to support the beauty queen as she prepares to represent the country at the global competition. "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."
About Miss World Nigeria
Miss World Nigeria, organised annually by the Silverbird Group, serves as the country's official selection platform for the global Miss World contest. The pageant places strong emphasis on social impact initiatives under the "Beauty with a Purpose" programme.
Karibi-George takes over from Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd edition of Miss World in Hyderabad, India, where she finished among the Top 20 contestants and ranked in the Top Five from Africa.
