26-year-old Tamunosoye Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 over the weekend in Lagos, defeating contestants from across the country to secure the coveted title and an opportunity to fly Nigeria’s flag at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Representing Bayelsa State, the Rivers State indigene has been in pageantry for a while represented Nigeria and won the Miss Africa International title in 2024.
Disability Rights Advocate
Tamunosoye Karibi-George runs Beyond Labels, an advocacy initiative dedicated to supporting children with special needs through education, inclusion, empowerment, and dignity.
The initiative seeks to create safe spaces where children are encouraged to dream boldly and reach their full potential regardless of physical, developmental, or social challenges.
Through Beyond Labels, she champions the idea that children with special needs should not be defined by their conditions but by their abilities, aspirations, and potential. Her work focuses on promoting acceptance, expanding opportunities, and challenging societal stereotypes that often marginalise vulnerable children.
The initiative aligns closely with the Miss World organisation’s “Beauty With a Purpose” philosophy, which places social impact projects at the centre of the competition. That alignment is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s chances at the international pageant in Vietnam.
Miss World Nigeria 2026
The Miss World Nigeria 2026 competition was held under the theme “Pride, Power, and Purpose,” with contestants evaluated not only on appearance but also on leadership, advocacy, communication skills, and community impact. Participants underwent leadership training, interviews, community engagements, and talent showcases throughout the competition week.
Silverbird Group founder Ben Murray-Bruce described Karibi-George as “more than a queen,” highlighting her advocacy work and passion for creating opportunities for children with special needs. .
Karibi-George will now represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026. She succeeds 2025 titleholder Joy Mojisola Raimi, who reached the Top 20 globally and finished among Africa’s Top 5 contestants at the last edition of the competition.
