Nigeria has thrown its full weight behind Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Nigeria’s representative, at the 2026 Miss World Pageant holding in Vietnam.
Addressing a grand national Presentation and send-off ceremony in Abuja attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, development partners, diplomats and pageant organisers, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described Karibi-George’s participation as a strategic mission in cultural diplomacy, women’s leadership and national image projection.
“She will carry our flag onto one of the most visible stages in the world. And she will carry it, with grace, with intelligence and with pride,” the Minister declared.
Describing Miss World as a platform of influence rather than mere beauty, she said, “This is cultural diplomacy in its finest form,” stressing that Nigeria’s participation would showcase the country’s culture, creative economy and the immense potential of Nigerian women.
While noting that the beauty envoy would represent far more than herself on the global stage, she assured Nigerians of government backing, saying, “This Ministry is providing full institutional support to ensure that her participation is smooth, dignified and successful… she will not be left to carry this alone.”
Calling for national solidarity, the Minister urged citizens to “rally around her… pray for her… cheer her on with one voice,” adding that regardless of the outcome, “she has already achieved something of real significance. She has earned the right to tell Nigeria’s story to the world.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Nko Esuabana, traced the evolution of Nigeria’s pageant journey and expressed confidence that history would repeat itself.
“We are going into the global stage to come back with the crown. It has happened before and it will happen again, and again, and again,” she said.
The Managing Director of Silverbird Group, organiser of Nigeria’s participation in Miss World, Guy Murray-Bruce described Karibi-George as an outstanding ambassador.
“She has embraced the responsibility of the crown with grace, humility and purpose,” he said, noting that Miss World celebrates “purpose, leadership, intelligence, service, discipline and the ability to inspire positive change.”
He affirmed, “We have every confidence that she will represent the country with dignity, grace and excellence.”
Responding, an emotional Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
“I’m literally living the dream,” she said.
She pledged to present the very best of Nigeria, saying, “It means everything to me to represent who we are… our compassion, our resilience and our strength as a people.”
Expressing confidence ahead of the September 5, 2026 finale, she said, “My deepest prayer is that what happened 25 years ago will be the same that will happen come September 5th,” before assuring supporters, “I will definitely make you proud.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, reminded the queen of the significance of her assignment.
“Let the world see that Nigeria is a country blessed with talent, character, innovation, and unwavering spirit of excellence.You are more than a beauty queen, you carry with you the strength of all Nigerian women and Nigerian youths,” she said, adding that ” winning the crown is important for inspiring humanity. Building bridges across counters and leaving a legacy of service are even greater victories.”
Representing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, Mrs Kunemofa Asu Ekiye charged the queen to remember that “you carry more than a crown, you carry a responsibility. Be a voice of hope, a model of integrity and an ambassador of excellence.”
Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Imomotimi Agama, said, “She’s not carrying a sash alone, she’s carrying a balance sheet… She’s carrying the reputation of Nigeria,” adding that “every time a Nigerian steps onto a world stage and carries herself with excellence, our national brand appreciates in value.”
The grand event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Miss World Nigeria and Queen Soye Karibi George with support from partners.
