The Federal Government has rallied Nigerians to support Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss World contest, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, as she advances towards the grand finale of the global pageant.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa, urged Nigerians to throw their weight behind the Rivers State-born beauty queen, who has distinguished herself at the ongoing competition in Vietnam.
Karibi-George recently emerged Africa’s Top Model and secured a place among the Top 40 contestants, strengthening Nigeria’s hopes of reclaiming the Miss World crown.
The grand finale of the 73rd Miss World contest is scheduled for September 5.
Musawa, in a post on X, praised Karibi-George for her performance and urged Nigerians to participate actively in the ongoing voting process.
“Dear Soye, seeing you carry Nigeria’s name with such grace, confidence and purpose on the Miss World stage has made us incredibly proud,” the minister said.
She described Karibi-George’s emergence as Africa’s Top Model and qualification for the Top 40 as a remarkable achievement, adding that her participation had provided an opportunity to project Nigeria positively before a global audience.
According to Musawa, the contestant had also used the international platform to highlight issues of importance and inspire young people.
She said only a few hours remained for Nigerians to vote, urging them to mobilise friends and family members to support the Nigerian contestant.
“Soye needs every vote and every point matters for the stages ahead,” Musawa said, while directing Nigerians to the voting platform.
“Please, let’s come together, vote, share and encourage others to do the same. Queen Soye, Nigeria is behind you.”
Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on June 5 after defeating 36 other contestants in the national competition.
Her impressive run at the international pageant has rekindled hopes that Nigeria could produce another Miss World winner, 25 years after Agbani Darego made history in 2001 as the first Nigerian—and so far the only Nigerian—to win the coveted title.