Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A new queen has emerged from the glittering night of Nigeria's most prestigious beauty pageant. Tamunosoye Karibi-George, the 26-year-old representative of Bayelsa State, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on Saturday, June 6, at a star-studded grand finale held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, organized annually by the Silverbird Group, brought together 20 finalists from across the nation under the theme "Pride, Power, and Purpose".
Karibi-George, a communications professional, voice-over artist, and associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, bested her rivals in a competition that judged contestants not only on poise and appearance but also on leadership training, interviews, and community-based activities held during the preceding week. The winner, who hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is no stranger to the international stage. In December 2024, she won the Miss Africa International title in Accra, Ghana, after representing Nigeria at the continental contest, a victory that seasoned her for the rigors of the national crown.
The announcement of the winner was made by Silverbird Group founder and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, who took to X on Sunday to celebrate the new 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!" he wrote. The senator emphasized that Karibi-George is "more than a queen," highlighting her advocacy work through her initiative, Beyond Labels. The project focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs, creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realize that their circumstances do not define their future.
The crowning of Karibi-George marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Nigerian beauty pageant circuit, which has a proud history on the global stage. Nigeria produced the first Black African winner in Miss World history when Agbani Darego claimed the crown in 2001. Since then, the country has consistently produced strong contenders, with the most recent predecessor, Joy Mojisola Raimi, having represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she reached the Top 20 and placed among the Top 5 from Africa. Karibi-George now carries the mantle to the 73rd Miss World Festival, which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026, where she will join contestants from around the world competing for the prestigious global title.
The Miss World Nigeria pageant, organized by the Silverbird Group, is rooted in the global "Beauty with a Purpose" philosophy, which requires contestants to demonstrate meaningful social impact through charitable and advocacy projects. Karibi-George’s win was further solidified by her receiving the Best Advocacy Award on the night for her Beyond Labels initiative, underlining the strength of her social mission. In a statement, Murray-Bruce urged Nigerians to rally behind the new queen as she prepares for the international contest. "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," he said.
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