Tamunosoye Karibi-George emerged as the winner of the Miss World Nigeria 2026 pageant. The 26-year-old beauty queen from Port Harcourt in Rivers State represented Bayelsa State and claimed the crown during the grand finale.
Organizers held the competition at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. Twenty finalists competed under the theme Pride, Power, and Purpose. Karibi-George impressed judges with her poise, intelligence, and advocacy work. She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the previous edition.
Contestants participated in leadership training and community activities during the camp week. Karibi-George stood out for her national costume titled Amazon of the Mangrove. The piece celebrated the culture, waterways, and heritage of the Niger Delta. First runner-up went to Miss Anambra while Miss Edo took second runner-up.
Karibi-George will now represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival. The event will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026. Silverbird Group organizes the national pageant and selects the country’s ambassador for the international stage.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who serves as Silverbird Group founder and former lawmaker for Bayelsa East, announced the victory. He stated, “WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins.”
Murray-Bruce also praised her initiative Beyond Labels. He said, “Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs.” He added, “Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud.”
