The federal government has urged Nigerians to support Tamunosoye Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, who is representing Nigeria at Miss World 2026, as the 73rd Miss World Festival takes place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, issued the appeal through a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, emphasizing the importance of national backing.
Musawa commended Karibi-George for her exemplary representation of Nigeria on the international stage and for leveraging the pageant platform to raise awareness about key issues impacting Nigerian youth, including education, employment, and social inclusion.
She highlighted that Karibi-George’s recent accolades—being named Africa’s Top Model and securing a position in the Top 40—have made Nigerians proud and reflect the country’s talents on a global platform.
With less than nine hours remaining for voting, Musawa called on Nigerians to cast their votes and promote the voting process among friends and family, stressing that every vote is critical during the final stages of the competition.
The minister also urged citizens to share information about the voting procedure widely, to bolster support for the Nigerian contestant.
“Dear Soye, witnessing you carry Nigeria’s name with such grace, confidence, and purpose on the Miss World stage fills us with pride. Achieving Africa’s Top Model and making it into the Top 40 are outstanding accomplishments. Beyond the pageant, you are showcasing Nigeria’s diverse culture, advocating for social issues, and inspiring countless young Nigerians.
Nigerians stand united with you. The voting window is closing in less than nine hours. Soye needs every single vote to secure the next phase. The voting link is available in my bio. Let’s come together—vote, share, and encourage others to support our queen. Nigeria is behind you," she wrote.
Karibi-George, 26 years old, won the Miss World Nigeria 2026 crown at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos after competing against 20 finalists selected from various regions across Nigeria.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, she represented Bayelsa State during the national pageant, showcasing her versatility and deeper commitment to national representation.
Aside from her pageant pursuits, she is a communications professional and a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. She founded ‘Beyond Labels,’ an organization dedicated to promoting inclusion and support for children with disabilities and special needs.
Karibi-George also holds the title of Miss Africa International 2024, which she earned at a contest held in Accra, Ghana.
At the ongoing global contest in Vietnam, she has already achieved notable milestones by winning the Africa's Top Model title and advancing to the Top 40 contestants.
Her next goal is to surpass Nigeria's previous best performer, Joy Mojisola Raimi, who reached the Top 20 in the last edition, and to continue elevating Nigeria’s presence and reputation in international beauty and advocacy stages.
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