Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 after emerging top among 21 finalists at the national pageant held in Lagos over the weekend.
The competition featured contestants from across the country and was structured around interview sessions, talent presentations, and evening wear evaluations. This year’s edition carried the theme *“Pride, Power, and Purpose.”*
Karibi-George, 26, originally from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, secured the title after a series of competitive rounds that narrowed the field to a final group of contestants before the announcement of the winner.
With her win, she becomes Nigeria’s official representative at the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
The outgoing queen, Joy Raimi, who held the Miss World Nigeria 2025 title, represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India. She finished among the Top 20 overall and ranked within the Top 5 African contestants.
Organisers described Karibi-George’s performance as consistent across all segments of the competition, with particular emphasis on her advocacy work. She promotes the *Beyond Labels* initiative, which focuses on inclusion and support for children with special needs.
Silverbird Group founder Ben Murray-Bruce acknowledged her victory in a public statement, describing her selection as the start of a new phase for the national title. He also highlighted her social impact work as a key part of her profile during the competition.
Miss World Nigeria is organised annually by the Silverbird Group and serves as the national qualifying platform for the global Miss World pageant.
