Nigeria has a new beauty queen ready to take on the global stage. Twenty-six-year-old Tamunosoye Karibi-George has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026, after emerging victorious at the pageant’s grand finale held at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
Representing Bayelsa State and hailing from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Karibi-George outshone 20 other contestants in a competition built around the theme, “Pride, Power, and Purpose.” The event featured talent presentations, interviews, evening wear showcases, and advocacy projects, highlighting the contestants’ leadership qualities alongside their poise and confidence.
Her victory means she will carry Nigeria’s hopes to the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
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Beyond Beauty, A Platform for Impact
Karibi-George’s journey to the crown did not begin with Miss World Nigeria. She previously represented the country at the Miss Africa International pageant, where she gained valuable international experience and built a reputation as a passionate advocate for social causes.
Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, Karibi-George promotes inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for children with special needs.The initiative seeks to create supportive spaces where children can thrive regardless of physical or developmental challenges.
Silverbird Group founder and Miss World Nigeria organiser, Ben Murray-Bruce, praised the new queen for combining beauty with purpose. Celebrating her victory, he described her as more than a titleholder, noting that her intelligence, compassion, and commitment to community service made her a deserving ambassador for the country.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the previous Miss World competition and secured a Top 20 finish while placing among Africa’s top five contestants.
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Carrying Nigeria’s Legacy to the World
The Miss World Nigeria pageant has long served as a platform for showcasing the talents, culture, and aspirations of young Nigerian women. Over the years, it has produced notable queens, including Agbani Darego, who made history as the first Black African woman to win the Miss World crown.
As preparations begin for the international competition in Vietnam, Karibi-George will have the opportunity to build on that legacy while introducing the world to her advocacy work and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Her emergence also reflects the changing face of modern pageantry, where contestants are increasingly judged not only by appearance but also by their ability to inspire change, lead meaningful conversations, and champion social causes.
For many Nigerians, her victory represents another opportunity for the country to shine on the global stage, blending elegance with purpose and proving that beauty can be a powerful tool for positive impact.
What do you think of Nigeria’s new queen? Share your thoughts and tell us what you’d love to see Tamunosoye Karibi-George champion as she prepares to represent Nigeria at Miss World 2026. Follow RefinedNG for more stories celebrating African excellence, culture, and achievement.