Bayelsa’s Tamunosoye Karibi-George Crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026

In a glittering ceremony that celebrated beauty, intellect, and purpose, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, representing Bayelsa State, was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026. The grand finale took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, where she emerged victorious among 20 finalists from across the country.

The 26-year-old beauty queen, a native of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, stood out with her poise, eloquence, and compelling advocacy. The pageant, themed “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” highlighted not just physical beauty but also the contestants’ commitment to meaningful causes. Karibi-George’s project, Beyond Labels, focuses on empowering children with special needs by creating safe spaces where they are encouraged to dream boldly and recognize that their circumstances do not define their futures.

Karibi-George’s journey to the crown was marked by cultural pride. Her national costume, inspired by the rich heritage, waterways, and vibrant culture of the Niger Delta, captivated both the audience and judges. As Miss Bayelsa, she brought honor to her state and the broader region, with celebrations pouring in from Bayelsa and Rivers State alike.

She succeeds previous titleholders, including Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria creditably at the last Miss World pageant. Karibi-George now prepares to fly the Nigerian flag at the 73rd Miss World Festival (75th anniversary edition) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, scheduled from August 9 to September 5, 2026.

A communications professional and model, Tamunosoye Karibi-George (@soye_kg on Instagram) is no stranger to the spotlight. She has previously won Miss Africa International in Ghana, demonstrating her consistency and capability on the international stage. Her win has been widely celebrated, with notable figures like Silverbird Group founder Ben Murray-Bruce hailing her as “more than a queen” and urging Nigerians to rally behind her.

First runner-up went to Miss Anambra, with Miss Edo taking second runner-up. The emotional crowning moment saw cheers erupt across the hall as the new queen was announced.

As Miss World Nigeria 2026, Karibi-George will champion the “Beauty with a Purpose” initiative globally, using her platform to advocate for inclusion and dignity for children with special needs. Her victory underscores the evolving focus of pageants in Nigeria—shifting toward purpose-driven leadership and cultural representation.