Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has emerged as the winner of Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The finale was held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following weeks of camp activities, advocacy projects, talent displays and runway competitions.
Adewusi impressed the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact, securing the crown after the final question-and-answer session.
The Top 10 finalists were Adewusi of Lagos, Anita Osikhena of Edo, Myya Jones of Cross River, Melissa Toghanro of Delta, Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti, Benedicta Iferike of Abuja, Chidinma Oluku of Abia, Precious Chinah of Rivers, Eno Idungafa of Akwa Ibom and Edidiong Udoidua of Ebonyi.
The final positions were announced as follows:
- Winner: Danielle Adewusi – Lagos
- 1st Runner-up: Anita Osikhena – Edo
- 2nd Runner-up: Myya Jones – Cross River
- 3rd Runner-up: Oluwafunmibi Ajaja – Ekiti
- 4th Runner-up: Melissa Toghanro – Delta
Organisers said Jones secured the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting category, earning an automatic place in the Top Five.
Toghanro will represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational, while Osikhena received several honours during the event.
Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving a N1 million prize from Yolo Island and a two-night all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort.
She also won the Best Advocacy Project award, which came with a N500,000 cash prize and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other special awards went to Miss Akwa Ibom for Most Photogenic, Miss Ekiti for Miss Amity, Miss Edo for Best Evening Dress, Miss Oyo for Top Model, Miss Osun for Best National Costume and Miss Ogun for Best Talent.
Silverbird Group President and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi as the new queen.
As Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe festival scheduled to take place on November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
She is expected to promote her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy campaign, which focuses on women’s health.
