Nigeria Rallies Behind Tamunosoye Karibi-George Ahead of Miss World 2026 in Vietnam
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria, the Silverbird Group and key stakeholders have thrown their weight behind Miss World Nigeria 2026, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss World Pageant in Vietnam, calling on Nigerians to unite in support of her quest to bring the prestigious crown home.
At a colourful send-forth reception held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a defining national moment, saying Karibi-George would represent far more than beauty on the global stage.
According to the Minister, the beauty queen would serve as a cultural ambassador, projecting Nigeria’s rich heritage, creative economy and the resilience, intelligence and aspirations of Nigerian women before a global audience of more than 130 participating countries.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the Miss World competition has evolved into a platform that celebrates leadership, purpose, social impact and gender equality, making Nigeria’s participation a strategic opportunity to strengthen the country’s global image.
She said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting youth development, women’s leadership and cultural diplomacy.
“When this young woman walks onto that stage, she carries the story of a nation and the hopes of millions of Nigerian girls who will believe they too can achieve greatness,” the Minister said.
She assured Karibi-George of the Federal Government’s full institutional support, including her preparation, travel and welfare throughout the competition, while urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to pray for and support the country’s representative.
The Minister also commended the Miss Nigeria Organisation, partner institutions and relevant government ministries for working together to ensure Nigeria is strongly represented at the global pageant.
In her response, Karibi-George described her emergence as Miss World Nigeria as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, expressing gratitude to God and everyone who supported her journey.
She said representing Nigeria means showcasing the nation’s compassion, resilience, strength and rich cultural identity beyond the pageant stage.
“It means everything to represent who we are as Nigerians and to show the world our strength, compassion and resilience,” she said.
The beauty queen expressed confidence that Nigeria could once again achieve global success at Miss World, promising to return with the crown.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, recalled Nigeria’s proud history at the Miss World competition and expressed optimism that Karibi-George would replicate the feat of Agbani Darego, who became the first African to win the Miss World title in 2001.
“We are going to the global stage to bring back the crown. It has happened before and it will happen again,” she declared.
President of Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss World Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, formally presented Karibi-George to the nation, describing her as an intelligent, resilient and compassionate ambassador who embodies the values of modern pageantry.
He said Silverbird had continued to promote Nigerian talent on international platforms, noting that today’s pageants celebrate leadership, service, purpose and positive social impact alongside beauty.
Bruce disclosed that more than 130 countries would participate in the Miss World activities in Vietnam, culminating in the grand finale on September 5, 2026.
He urged Nigerians to stand firmly behind Karibi-George, expressing confidence that she would represent the country with dignity and excellence.
The event also featured the presentation of appreciation gifts by the Miss World Nigeria Organisation to the Minister in recognition of the Ministry’s support, reinforcing the partnership between government and the organisation in promoting Nigerian women on the global stage.
With the official send-forth concluded, Karibi-George is expected to depart for Vietnam to begin the final phase of activities leading to the Miss World 2026 grand finale, amid growing optimism that Nigeria could once again return home with the coveted Miss World crown.
