Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026, emerging victorious from a competitive field of 20 finalists to claim the coveted crown and earn the right to represent Nigeria on the global stage later this year.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was crowned on Saturday night at a grand finale held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The competition, themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” brought together delegates from across the country who were assessed on beauty, intelligence, leadership, and advocacy. Miss Anambra and Miss Edo finished as the first and second runners-up respectively, while contestants from Abuja and Rivers completed the top five placings.

Beyond the crown itself, Karibi-George also walked away with the Best Advocacy Award for her passion project, Beyond Labels, an initiative dedicated to creating safe spaces for children with special needs and championing their inclusion, dignity, and empowerment. The initiative resonated strongly with judges and audiences alike throughout the competition, setting her apart as not just a beauty queen but a purpose-driven young leader with a clear social vision.

Silverbird Group founder and former senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce, was effusive in his praise of the new queen following her coronation. “WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins,” he declared on X, describing Karibi-George as “more than a queen” and saluting her commitment to driving meaningful change for vulnerable children across Nigeria.

As Miss World Nigeria 2026, Karibi-George will now represent the country at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026. She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, where she reached the top 20 and finished among the top five African contestants.

Karibi-George expressed gratitude for the opportunity following her victory and pledged to carry the hopes of Bayelsa State and Nigeria with pride when she steps onto the international stage.