The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to rally behind Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, as she competes at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam.
The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made the appeal on Friday through a post on X, where she praised the Nigerian representative for her performance in the international pageant.
Musawa urged Nigerians to vote for Karibi-George, noting that her progress in the competition had brought pride to the country.
The 26-year-old beauty queen has already secured the Africa’s Top Model title and advanced to the Top 40 of the global contest.
“Dear Soye, seeing you carry Nigeria’s name with such grace, confidence and purpose on the Miss World stage has made us incredibly proud.
“Emerging as Africa’s Top Model and securing your place in the Top 40 is a remarkable achievement. But beyond the competition, you have used this platform to showcase Nigeria to the world, speak about issues that truly matter, and inspire so many young people.”
The minister disclosed that only nine hours remained for voting and stressed the importance of every vote as the competition progresses.
“Nigerians continue to stand with you. There are just 9 hours left to vote, and the window is closing fast. Soye needs every vote and every point matters for the stages ahead,” she said.
Musawa further encouraged Nigerians to spread the word about the voting exercise and mobilise others to support the Nigerian contestant.
“Please, let’s come together, vote, share and encourage others to do the same.
“Queen Tamunosoye Karibi George, Nigeria is behind you.🇳🇬🇳🇬”
Karibi-George is representing Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam after winning the Miss World Nigeria 2026 crown at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
She emerged victorious from a field of 20 finalists and represented Bayelsa State during the national pageant.
A native of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Karibi-George is a communications professional and an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
She is also the founder of Beyond Labels, an initiative dedicated to inclusion and empowerment for children with special needs.
Before becoming Miss World Nigeria, she won the Miss Africa International 2024 title in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking ahead of the international competition, Karibi-George said her participation offered an opportunity to showcase Nigeria while advancing her advocacy work.
“With purpose in my heart, I depart Nigeria to represent our great nation at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam,” she wrote.
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.”
Having reached the Top 40 and won the Africa’s Top Model title, Karibi-George will now seek to progress further in the competition.
She will also aim to surpass Joy Mojisola Raimi’s Top 20 finish at the previous edition of the Miss World contest.
