LAGOS — The national stage has a new queen. Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, was officially crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on Saturday night, following a high-profile grand finale held at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
The 26-year-old beauty queen, who hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged victorious among a competitive field of 20 finalists. The pageant, organized by the Silverbird Group, centered on the theme "Pride, Power, and Purpose," an ethos that emphasizes leadership, intelligence, and social impact alongside traditional pageantry.
Silverbird Group founder and former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce shared the news with the public on Sunday, praising Karibi-George’s multifaceted appeal. He described her as "more than a queen," highlighting her dedicated advocacy through her initiative, Beyond Labels. This project focuses on fostering inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs, providing safe spaces that encourage them to look beyond their circumstances and dream for their futures.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, the reigning Miss World Nigeria 2025. Raimi previously brought acclaim to the country by placing in the Top 20 and ranking among the Top 5 African contestants at the 72nd Miss World pageant in India.
The newly crowned queen is now turning her attention to the international stage. She will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, a landmark event marking the pageant’s 75th anniversary. The festival is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.I'm
