Diri Backs Miss World Nigeria 2026 Winner Karibi-George, Says Nigeria Can Produce Another Agbani Darego
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has expressed confidence that Nigeria could once again produce a Miss World winner, describing Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as “a beauty with brains” and a worthy cultural ambassador.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the Government House, Yenagoa, when Karibi-George and members of her delegation paid him a courtesy visit.
Diri commended the beauty queen for making Bayelsa State proud through her participation in the national competition, noting that her representation had further promoted the culture, traditions, and environment of the Niger Delta.
He assured her of the state government’s support as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant scheduled to hold in Vietnam, expressing optimism that she could follow in the footsteps of former Miss World winner Agbani Darego.
“She is not just beautiful in outlook but a beauty with brains,” the governor said. “We are looking forward to her becoming another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support her pursuit of the Miss World crown.”
Addressing debates on social media regarding her state of origin, Diri emphasized unity among Ijaw people across states, describing Karibi-George as an Ijaw daughter from Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta, and stressing that such distinctions should not divide them.
“She is also the daughter of Nigeria. Rivers and Bayelsa are one people,” he added.
The governor also commended her parents for her upbringing, noting that proper parental guidance had contributed to her success.
President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the beauty queen as “the Amazon of the Mangrove Forest,” adding that the visit was to formally present her crown to the governor in recognition of his role as a leading figure in the Ijaw nation and to seek further support for her international campaign.
Team Lead, Prince Iwefa Aganaba, said the delegation’s visit was also to acknowledge the governor’s leadership and rally institutional backing ahead of the global competition.
In her remarks, Karibi-George said her motivation for joining the pageant was to create a platform that reflects her roots, culture, and identity on the national stage.
She said her advocacy project, titled Beyond Labels, focuses on inclusion, awareness, and education for children with special needs, challenging societal stereotypes that limit their potential.
“Such children often see their disabilities before their potential,” she said. “But I believe that given the opportunity, they can thrive on the global stage.”
The event ended with renewed assurances of support for her Miss World campaign as she prepares to represent Nigeria internationally.
