The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has officially sent forth Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Kairibi-George, as she prepares to represent the country at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam, expressing confidence that she will return home with the coveted crown.
Speaking during the ceremony held on Wednesday Night in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanya, said the ministry was proud to take responsibility for supporting Nigeria’s representative on the global stage.
She recalled Nigeria’s rich history in international beauty pageants, noting that the country had produced outstanding queens in the past and expressed optimism that Kairibi-George would add another remarkable chapter to 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, urging Nigerians to rally behind the country’s representative.
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss World Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, described the send-off 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 hosting the ceremony and acknowledged the support of several government institutions, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Aviation and Aerospace Development, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for facilitating the queen’s participation.
Murray-Bruce said Kairibi-George emerged winner at the Miss World Nigeria Grand Finale held in Lagos on June 6, 2026, and had since carried out her responsibilities with grace, humility and purpose.
According to him, Silverbird has spent more than four decades promoting Nigerian talent through international pageant platforms such as Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Supranational and other global competitions.
He noted that Nigeria recently recorded another milestone when 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 competition would feature contestants from over 130 countries, with the grand finale scheduled for September 6, 2026, in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
He expressed confidence that Kairibi-George possesses the intelligence, resilience and compassion needed to represent Nigeria with distinction.
“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, Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Kairibi-George, described the opportunity to represent Nigeria as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
She said she was honoured to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, heritage and resilient spirit before the global community.
“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.
The beauty queen expressed hope of recreating Nigeria’s historic success at the Miss World competition and pledged to make the country proud.
She also appreciated her parents, the Silverbird Group, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, NYSC and all individuals who supported her journey to the international stage.
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.
Agama said every Nigerian who represents the country with excellence on the global stage contributes to strengthening the nation’s image and 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,” he said.
The 73rd Miss World Festival will bring together contestants from more than 130 countries, with participants expected to engage in cultural exchanges, humanitarian activities, media engagements and various competitions before the grand finale in Vietnam.
