Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Miss Bayelsa, has won the Miss World Nigeria 2026 title.
The grand finale took place on Friday evening at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. A total of 37 contestants from across Nigeria competed for the crown.
Before the finale, the contestants participated in a week-long camp focused on leadership development and community engagement. The activities helped judges assess the finalists and select the winner. 
Organizers narrowed the competition to 10 finalists, including Shuntell Ezomo (Miss Edo), Uchechukwu Ikediashi (Miss Abuja), Ifeoma Uzogheli (Miss Delta), Oluwakemi Akinlabi (Miss Osun), Gold Ichenda (Miss Rivers), and Dionne Nwagbo.
Tamunosoye emerged victorious after outperforming Miss Edo, Miss Anambra, Miss Rivers, and Miss Abuja in the final round.
She succeeds Joy Raimi, who won the Miss World Nigeria 2025 title and represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant. Raimi finished among the Top 20 contestants worldwide and ranked among Africa’s Top 5 representatives.
READ ALSO: ‘See You in Court’: Tolani Baj Draws the Line on Copying Her Bag Designs
Guy Murray-Bruce, Chief Operating Officer of the Silverbird Group, announced Tamunosoye as the winner and commended her poise, leadership, and advocacy work.
Beyond her pageantry achievements, Tamunosoye founded Beyond Labels, an initiative that promotes inclusion, education, and safety for children with special needs.
Speaking about her advocacy, she said:
“Through my Beyond Labels initiative, I advocate for education and inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and societal labels, especially for children with special needs.
“Most times, society focuses on what these children are perceived to lack instead of recognizing their brilliance, creativity, joy, and the endless potential they possess.”
Tamunosoye also represented Nigeria at the Miss Africa International 2024 pageant and won the title in December 2024 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
As Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World pageant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Organizers will hold the competition from August 9 to September 5, with contestants from about 140 countries expected to participate.
About The Author
