Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed confidence that Nigeria could produce another Miss World through Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, describing the beauty queen as an embodiment of both intelligence and grace.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, Diri made the remark on Tuesday when Karibi-George, accompanied by her delegation, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Yenagoa following her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026.
The governor praised the beauty queen for bringing honour to Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation, assuring her of the state’s full support as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant scheduled to hold later this year in Vietnam.
According to him, Karibi-George has already distinguished herself by using the platform to showcase the rich culture, traditions and environmental heritage of the Niger Delta to a national audience.
Diri said her conduct, eloquence and achievements demonstrated that she was more than just a beauty queen.
“From what I have seen and heard today, she is not only beautiful in appearance but also a beauty with brains. This achievement should be the beginning of greater accomplishments. We are looking forward to seeing her become another Agbani Darego,” the governor said.
He noted that Bayelsa would continue to support her quest to bring the Miss World crown back to Nigeria.
The governor also addressed debates on social media regarding Karibi-George’s state of origin, stressing that the beauty queen remains a proud daughter of the Ijaw nation regardless of whether her roots are traced to Bayelsa or Rivers State.
“She is our daughter and also Nigeria’s daughter. Bayelsa and Rivers are one people. She is an Ijaw daughter, whether from Bayelsa, Rivers or Delta State,” he stated.
Diri particularly commended Karibi-George’s choice of costume during the national pageant, describing it as a powerful representation of her Ijaw identity and the unique environment of the Niger Delta.
He also applauded her parents for their role in shaping her character and values, saying her success reflected the importance of proper upbringing.
“It is not enough to have children. Parents must invest in raising them well. We celebrate her parents for producing a young woman who has become a source of pride to the nation,” he added.
Earlier, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described Karibi-George as the “Amazon of the Mangrove Forest” and formally presented her crown to Governor Diri.
Lokpobiri said the delegation visited the governor to honour him as the “Governor-General of the Ijaw nation” and to seek support for Karibi-George’s participation at the global competition.
READ ALSO: Bayelsa’s Karibi-George Crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026
“On behalf of the Ijaw Youth Council, we present this crown to you before taking it anywhere else because you represent the collective leadership of the Ijaw people,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, Karibi-George said her decision to participate in the competition was driven by a desire to project the culture, beauty and values of the Ijaw people on the national stage.
She expressed pride in representing the Niger Delta and credited her inspiration to former Miss World and Nigeria’s first global pageant winner, Agbani Darego.
The beauty queen also highlighted her advocacy initiative, “Beyond Labels,” which promotes awareness, inclusion and equal opportunities for children living with disabilities and others affected by societal stereotypes.
“Many children see their disabilities before they see their potential. I believe that with the right opportunities and support, they can thrive and compete on the global stage,” she said.
Karibi-George’s emergence as Miss World Nigeria has generated widespread excitement across the Niger Delta, with supporters expressing optimism that she could replicate the feat achieved by Agbani Darego when she won the Miss World crown in 2001.
With preparations for the international competition underway, attention is now turning to Vietnam, where Nigeria will be hoping its newest beauty queen can make history once again on the global stage.