Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has described Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as “a crown for the Ijaw nation,” while pledging the state government’s full support for her advocacy campaign and preparations for the Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
Diri gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the beauty queen and her delegation at Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during her homecoming and appreciation tour following her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026.
Karibi-George, who is maternally from Bayelsa State, said the visit was aimed at appreciating stakeholders, institutions and individuals who contributed to her success and seeking support for her advocacy initiatives ahead of the international competition.
The reigning queen highlighted her flagship project, Beyond Label, which focuses on education, awareness, inclusion and empowerment for children living with disabilities and special needs.
She noted that despite the stereotypes and challenges many of the children face, they possess enormous potential and can thrive when given the right opportunities, support and an enabling environment.
Speaking during the visit, Diri praised the beauty queen for her poise, eloquence and commitment to social impact.
“Listening to you, I see a queen with both beauty and brains.”
The governor urged her to remain focused and humble as she prepares to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“Don’t be carried away by the applause.”
“This is just the beginning of greater things.”
Diri described her emergence as Miss World Nigeria as a victory for Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the country at large.
“It is a crown for Ijaw nation, a crown for Bayelsa State, and indeed a crown for Nigeria.”
He assured the beauty queen of the Bayelsa State Government’s support as she prepares for the prestigious global pageant.
The governor also commended the organisers of the Miss World Nigeria pageant for what he described as a credible process that produced a worthy representative for the country.
Karibi-George’s visit formed part of efforts to build partnerships and mobilise support for her advocacy campaign as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Miss World competition.