Tamunosoye Karibi George, representing Bayelsa, has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 at a glittering grand finale held on Saturday, June 6, at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
She succeeds outgoing queen Joy Mojisola Raimi and will now represent Nigeria at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam later this year.
A seasoned pageant contender, George brought significant experience to the national stage, having previously held the titles of Miss Africa International 2024 and Face of Port Harcourt 2023.
However, it was her advocacy that ultimately set her apart. Her “Beyond Labels” Initiative, which champions education, awareness, and inclusion for children with special needs, earned widespread praise from the judges and audience alike.
Throughout the competition, George remained a heavy fan favourite. She delivered a standout moment during the talent challenge, moving the hall with a powerful rendition of “Never Enough” that underscored her poise and stage command.
The 2026 edition featured a highly competitive batch of 20 delegates. Among the top contenders were Miss Anambra, Dionne Nwagbo, who claimed the preliminary Head-to-Head Challenge, and Miss Edo, Shuntell Ezomo, who secured a place in the Top 5.
George’s victory caps a memorable night for Bayelsa and sets the stage for Nigeria’s campaign at Miss World in Vietnam.
