Bayelsa’s Tamunosoye Crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026
Tamunosoye Karibi-George, who represented Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 after emerging winner among 20 contestants at the grand finale held over the weekend at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The 26-year-old Beauty Queen secured the coveted title following a keenly contested pageant, earning the opportunity to 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.
Although she represented Bayelsa State during the competition, Karibi-George is an indigene of Rivers State.
The founder of Silverbird Group and former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, announced the result on Sunday, celebrating the emergence of the new queen and describing her as a worthy ambassador for Nigeria.
“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 wrote.
He also praised Karibi-George’s commitment to humanitarian causes through her initiative, Beyond Labels, which advocates for children living with special needs.
According to him, the project promotes inclusion, dignity and empowerment while creating opportunities for children with special needs to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“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,” he said.
Murray-Bruce further urged Nigerians to support the beauty queen as she prepares to fly the country’s flag at the global competition in Vietnam.
“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,” he added.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd edition of the Miss World competition held in Hyderabad, India. Raimi finished among the Top 20 contestants globally and ranked among the Top Five representatives from Africa.
Global Mirror News reports that Karibi-George’s victory has been welcomed by pageant enthusiasts and supporters across the country, with many expressing confidence that her intelligence, advocacy work and leadership qualities will position her strongly at the international competition.
As preparations begin for the Miss World Festival in Vietnam, expectations are high that the newly crowned queen will build on Nigeria’s impressive record at the global pageant and make the nation proud on the world stage.
