Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as a "beauty with intellect," saying Nigeria stands a chance of producing another Miss World after Agbani Darego.
Diri made the remarks on Tuesday in Government House, Yenagoa, when Karibi-George and her delegation paid him a courtesy visit to present her crown.
The governor commended her for representing Bayelsa and projecting the culture, traditions and environment of the Niger Delta, and assured her of his administration’s backing for the Miss World contest in Vietnam.
He also waded into the social media debate over her state of origin, insisting she is an Ijaw daughter from both Bayelsa and Rivers states.
"Rivers and Bayelsa states are one and the same people. She is indeed an Ijaw daughter, whether she is from Bayelsa, Rivers or Delta Ijaw," Diri said.
He particularly praised her pageant costume for reflecting her Ijaw identity and commended her parents for her upbringing.
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"Listening to her today and what I have also seen in the media space, clearly she is not just beautiful in outlook but she is indeed a beauty with brains.
"Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward for you to become another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support you, especially in your pursuit for the Miss World crown."
President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described Karibi-George as the "Amazon of the Mangrove Forest" and said the visit was to formally present the crown to Diri as "Governor-General of the Ijaw nation" before taking it elsewhere.
Karibi-George said she entered the contest to represent her roots on the national stage with beauty, culture and grace, adding that she was inspired by former Miss World 2001, Agbani Darego.
She also told the governor about her "Beyond Labels" initiative, which advocates awareness, education and inclusivity for children with special needs and those facing societal stereotypes.
"Such children see their disabilities first rather than their potential. But I believe that given the opportunity, they can thrive on the global stage," she said.
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