A new national titleholder has emerged from one of Nigeria’s most prominent pageants, as Lagos-based model Damilola Bolarinde secured the coveted Miss International Nigeria 2026 crown at the Face of Hope competition.
The grand finale, held on April 19, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center, drew contestants from across the country following weeks of rigorous training, screenings, and public engagement. The competition culminated in a closely contested finale that saw Bolarinde outshine her peers, with Miss Anambra finishing as first runner-up and Miss Rivers taking the second runner-up position.
Her victory comes with the responsibility of representing Nigeria on the global stage at the Miss International 2026 pageant scheduled to take place in Japan later this year. The event also featured the presence of reigning global titleholder Catalina Duque of Colombia, who officially crowned the new queen.
Bolarinde’s journey to the crown was marked by strong early performances during the competition camp. She earned recognition on the opening day with the Punctuality Award, accompanied by a N100,000 cash prize, and later secured her place in the finals through public voting support.
Already an established figure in the pageant and modelling scene, Bolarinde previously won Miss Grand Nigeria 2022 and placed as first runner-up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2025. She is also known for her advocacy initiative, “The Unconventional Quest,” which promotes the pursuit of alternative and non-traditional career paths among young people.
Organisers say the Face of Hope pageant, themed “Her Flow Her Power,” continues to position itself as a platform that blends beauty with empowerment, discipline, and skill development for women across Nigeria.