Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed confidence that Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has the potential to become Nigeria’s next global beauty queen, describing her as a rare combination of beauty and intellect capable of replicating the success of former Miss World winner Agbani Darego.
Key Highlights
- Gov Diri describes Tamunosoye Karibi-George as “a beauty with brains.”
- Bayelsa Government pledges support for her Miss World campaign.
- Governor says Nigeria can produce another Agbani Darego.
- Tamunosoye celebrated for promoting Ijaw culture and Niger Delta heritage.
- Beauty queen unveils “Beyond Labels” initiative for children with special needs.
- Ijaw Youth Council formally presents her crown to the governor.
Diri made the remarks on Tuesday when the newly crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 and her delegation paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor commended Karibi-George for making Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation proud by emerging victorious in the national pageant and assured her of his administration’s support ahead of the global Miss World competition scheduled to hold in Vietnam.
According to him, the beauty queen has already contributed significantly to promoting the culture, traditions, and environmental heritage of the Niger Delta through her participation in the competition.
Addressing debates on social media regarding her state of origin, Diri emphasized that Tamunosoye remains an Ijaw daughter regardless of whether her roots are traced to Bayelsa or Rivers State.
He noted that both states share a common heritage and should celebrate her achievement collectively.
The governor particularly praised the cultural costume she wore during the pageant, stating that it reflected her identity as an Ijaw woman and effectively showcased the uniqueness of the Niger Delta region.
“Listening to her today and what I have also seen in the media space, clearly she is not just beautiful in outlook but she is indeed a beauty with brains,” Diri said.
“I urge you not to be carried away by your success. This is only the beginning of greater achievements, and your future will be brighter than today.”
Read also:
- World Menstrual Hygiene Day: NAWOJ FCT pushes for menstrual dignity for girls
- Governor Otti approves site for Aba Open University, calls for digital education
- Stakeholders seek expanded hepatitis B, C treatment, vaccination to meet 2030 target
- Non-verbal autistic teenager sets 2nd Guinness World record with 100 mile cycling feat
“Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward to you becoming another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support you, especially in your pursuit of the Miss World crown.”
The governor also applauded her parents for their role in her upbringing, noting that raising responsible and accomplished children requires dedication and commitment.
In his remarks, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described Karibi-George as “the Amazon of the Mangrove Forest” and said the delegation visited to formally present her crown to the governor in recognition of his role as the symbolic leader of the Ijaw nation.
Lokpobiri and the team’s leader, Prince Iwefa Aganaba, also sought the state government’s support as preparations begin for the international competition.
Speaking during the visit, Tamunosoye Karibi-George said her motivation for entering the pageant was to create a platform that would showcase the beauty, culture, and values of the Ijaw people on the national stage.
She expressed pride in representing the Ijaw nation and bringing the Miss World Nigeria crown home.
The beauty queen revealed that she draws inspiration from Agbani Darego, the first Nigerian and African woman to win the Miss World title in 2001.
Karibi-George also highlighted her social impact project, “Beyond Labels,” an advocacy initiative focused on promoting awareness, education, inclusivity, and opportunities for children living with disabilities and those affected by social stereotypes.
According to her, many children are often defined by their limitations rather than their abilities.
“Such children see their disabilities first rather than their potential. But I believe that given the opportunity, they can thrive on the global stage,” she said.
