Tamunosoye Karibi George Wins Miss World Nigeria 2026

Tamunosoye Karibi-George just officially became the new Miss World Nigeria, and Bayelsa State has every reason to celebrate.

The 26-year-old was crowned at the grand finale held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday night, June 6, 2026. She surpassed 19 other finalists to win the title. Although she represented Bayelsa State in the competition, Karibi-George is originally from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Photo: Instagram

The pageant, organised by the Silverbird Group, started with 37 contestants from different states. They went through a week-long camp that consisted of leadership training and community engagement activities, which also counted toward judging. The field eventually narrowed to 20 finalists. This year’s competition theme was “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”

Silverbird Group founder and former senator representing bayelsa east Ben Murray-Bruce broke the news on Sunday via a post on X, congratulating Karibi-George and highlighting her work outside of pageantry. He wrote: “WE HAVE A QUEEN! A new chapter begins. Please join us in celebrating TAMUNOSOYE KARIBI-GEORGE, representing Bayelsa State, as the newly crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026! More than a queen, Tamunosoye is a passionate advocate for change.

Photo: Instagram

Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she champions inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs, creating safe spaces where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and realise that their circumstances do not define their future.”

Karibi-George takes over from Joy Raimi, who held the Miss World Nigeria 2025 title and represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India. Raimi finished in the Top 20 overall and was among the Top 5 contestants from Africa.

Photo: Instagram

Karibi-George will now represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.