Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Nigeria's 26-year-old representative, is competing at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam. The Port Harcourt-born beauty queen, who won the national title in Lagos, is using her platform to advocate for children with special needs through her Beyond Labels initiative.
Who is Tamunosoye Karibi-George?
Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, beating 19 other finalists. Though she represented Bayelsa State during the competition, she is originally from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She studied Communications at Madonna University, Okija, after attending Obiye High School and Obiye Academy. She is also an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Her advocacy work focuses on children living with special needs. She founded Beyond Labels, an initiative that promotes inclusion, dignity and equal opportunities for children with disabilities. The project encourages society to focus on people's abilities rather than their limitations.
Her Mission and Advocacy
Before leaving Nigeria, Karibi-George shared an emotional message on Facebook: "With purpose in my heart, I depart Nigeria to represent our great nation at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam." She added: "This journey is about more than competing for the Blue Crown. It is about representing the strength, culture, tenacity, and compassion of our nation, while continuing to champion the Beyond Labels Initiative and the belief that every individual deserves to be seen for their potential."
She ended her post with a line that resonated with many Nigerians: "Vietnam is calling, and Nigeria is coming."
International Pageant Experience
This is not Karibi-George's first international pageant. In 2024, she won Miss Africa International in Accra, Ghana, which gave her global exposure before clinching the Miss World Nigeria title. She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the 72nd Miss World competition in India and finished in the Top 20, making her one of Africa's strongest performers at that event.
With that record, many Nigerians hope Karibi-George can go further and possibly bring home the Blue Crown.
What Happens at Miss World?
Unlike many beauty contests, Miss World judges contestants across several categories, including communication skills, intelligence, confidence, leadership, talent and community service. Contestants also participate in cultural showcases, charity activities and the Beauty With a Purpose challenge, which recognises humanitarian projects worldwide.
For Karibi-George, the competition is another opportunity to spotlight challenges facing children with special needs while showcasing Nigerian culture. As activities continue in Vietnam ahead of the grand finale, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how far she can go. Whether she returns with the crown or not, she is already using the global stage to tell a bigger story about purpose, inclusion and representing Nigeria with pride.
