Tamunosoye Karibi-George, 26, has emerged Miss World Nigeria 2026.
The Port Harcourt, Rivers State indigene, who represented Bayelsa State in the beauty contest, beat other 19 finalists to clinch the glamorous crown.
She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India.
Having emerged winner at the competition held on Saturday night at Balmora Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Tamunosoye will represent Nigeria at the Miss World Festival slated for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
According to the founder/CEO,
Silverbird Group, organiser of the pageant, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Tamunosoye is “more than a queen.”
He posted 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!”
Murray-Bruce highlighted the beauty queen’s advocacy work through the initiative ‘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. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs, creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.
“Her purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion shone brightly, earning her the honour of wearing the crown and carrying the hopes of a nation.”
Murray-Bruce called on Nigerians to throw their weights behind the new queen, as she prepares to represent the country on the global 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.”