LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Bayelsa State representative at the Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has emerged the Queen, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the global pageant in Vietnam later this year.
The 26-year-old beauty queen, who hails from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, outshone 19 other finalists in the competition themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”
She received the crown on Saturday night at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
With the victory, Karibi-George will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
Announcing the result, former Bayelsa East senator and founder of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, described the new queen as a woman driven by purpose and a passion for social impact.
“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 on X.
Murray-Bruce also highlighted her advocacy initiative, Beyond Labels, which focuses on promoting inclusion, dignity and opportunities for children with special needs.
“More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion… where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future. Her purpose.. and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation,” the statement added.
He further called on Nigerians to support the beauty queen as she prepares to fly the country’s flag on the international stage.
“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,” Bruce added.
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The Miss World Nigeria pageant, organized by the Silverbird Group, remains one of the country’s most prestigious beauty competitions.
Beyond celebrating beauty, the contest encourages contestants to champion charitable causes through the global Beauty with a Purpose initiative.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World competition in India and finished among the Top 20 contestants globally, while also securing a place in Africa’s Top 5.
With her advocacy work, stage presence and national platform now in focus, attention will turn to how she performs when she joins contestants from around the world in Vietnam later this year.
