The grand event took place on Saturday night at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, where judges ultimately selected the 26-year-old as the nation’s newest beauty ambassador.
Although she represented Bayelsa State in the competition, Karibi-George hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State—reflecting the increasingly diverse representation seen in modern Nigerian pageantry.
Her victory secures her place as Nigeria’s official delegate to the 73rd Miss World Festival, scheduled for August 9 to September 5, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“More than a queen” — Celebrations from Silverbird leadership
Her crowning was publicly celebrated by Silverbird Group founder and former lawmaker, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who announced the win with enthusiastic praise on social media:
“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!”
He went further to describe her as “more than a queen,” highlighting the depth of her advocacy work and personal mission beyond the pageant stage.
Advocacy at the Heart of the Crown
Central to Karibi-George’s win was her social impact initiative, Beyond Labels, which focuses on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for children with special needs.
According to Murray-Bruce:
“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.”
He emphasized that her combination of “purpose, poise, intelligence, and passion” distinguished her throughout the competition, ultimately earning her the crown and the responsibility of representing Nigeria internationally.
He also urged national support as she prepares for the global stage:
“Go forth and inspire the world. Go forth and make Nigeria proud.”
A Tradition of Beauty With Purpose
Organised by the Silverbird Group, Miss World Nigeria serves as Nigeria’s official selection platform for the global Miss World Festival.
The pageant is rooted in the global “Beauty with a Purpose” philosophy, which requires contestants not only to compete on aesthetics and presentation but also to demonstrate meaningful social impact through charitable and advocacy projects.
Karibi-George succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, who represented the country at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, India, reaching the Top 20 and placing among the Top 5 African contestants.
Looking Ahead to Vietnam 2026
With her crown secured, Karibi-George now turns her attention to the international stage in Vietnam, where she will join contestants from around the world competing for the Miss World title.
Her journey reflects a growing trend in pageantry—where advocacy, identity, and social responsibility increasingly carry as much weight as traditional stage presence.