LAGOS, Nigeria — Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 at the grand finale of the pageant held over the weekend in Lagos.
Ms Kabiri-George beat 20 other finalists to claim the title at a competition themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”
The 26-year-old, who is from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, will go on to represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 9 August to 5 September.
The competition featured talent showcase, interview and evening wear rounds, with contestants drawn from across the country.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she reached the top 20 and placed among the top five contestants from Africa.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of the Silverbird Group, which organises Miss World Nigeria, and a former lawmaker representing Bayelsa East, celebrated the victory on X.
“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.
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!
More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels,… pic.twitter.com/KByEhNRyLz
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 7, 2026
Murray-Bruce drew particular attention to Karibi-George’s advocacy work through an initiative she founded called Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion, dignity and empowerment for children with special needs.
“More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change,” he said, describing the initiative as “creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.”
