Nigeria Eyes Miss World Glory as FG Backs Kairibi-George

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has officially sent forth Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Kairibi-George, ahead of the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam, expressing confidence that she will return home with the coveted crown.

Speaking during the send-off ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanya, said the ministry was proud to support Nigeria’s representative on the global stage. She recalled the country’s impressive record in international beauty pageants and expressed optimism that Kairibi-George would build on that legacy.
“We are going to the global stage to bring back the crown. It has happened before, and it will happen again,” Asanya said, while calling on Nigerians to unite in support of the country’s representative.
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss World Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, described the event as a celebration of Nigeria’s ambassador to one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants. He commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for organising the ceremony and acknowledged the support of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Aviation and Aerospace Development, as well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for facilitating the queen’s participation.
Murray-Bruce said Kairibi-George emerged winner of the Miss World Nigeria Grand Finale held in Lagos on June 6, 2026, and has since carried out her responsibilities with grace, humility and purpose. He added that Silverbird has spent over four decades promoting Nigerian talent through global pageant platforms, including Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss Supranational.
He also noted that Nigeria recently recorded another milestone after its representative finished as second runner-up and among the top 10 contestants at the Miss Supranational competition in Poland.
Describing the Miss World pageant as more than a beauty contest, Murray-Bruce said it celebrates leadership, humanitarian service, intelligence and social impact through its globally recognised “Beauty with a Purpose” initiative. He explained that this year’s edition will feature contestants from more than 130 countries, with the grand finale scheduled for September 6, 2026, in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
“We have every confidence that she will represent the country with dignity, grace and excellence. We call on all Nigerians to support and encourage her as she competes on behalf of our great nation,” he said.
In her remarks, Tamunosoye Kairibi-George described the opportunity to represent Nigeria as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. She said she was honoured to showcase the nation’s rich culture, heritage and resilient spirit before the global audience.
“It means everything to me to represent the giant of Africa. I am proud to represent our compassion, resilience and strength as a people,” she said, while expressing hope of recreating Nigeria’s historic success at the Miss World competition. She also appreciated her parents, the Silverbird Group, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, NYSC and everyone who supported her journey.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, said Kairibi-George was carrying more than a title to Vietnam, describing her as a symbol of Nigeria’s reputation and national pride. According to him, every Nigerian who excels on the global stage strengthens the country’s image and boosts investor confidence.
“She is carrying the reputation of Nigeria. Every time a Nigerian steps onto the world stage with excellence, our national brand appreciates in value. That is the power of soft diplomacy,” Agama said.
The 73rd Miss World Festival will bring together contestants from over 130 countries, who will participate in cultural exchanges, humanitarian activities, media engagements and other competitions before the grand finale in Vietnam.