The Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa, has urged Nigerians to support Nigeria’s representative at the ongoing Miss World competition, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, popularly known as Soye, as she advances towards the final stages of the contest.
Karibi-George, who is representing Nigeria at the pageant in Vietnam, recently emerged as Africa’s Top Model and secured a place among the Top 40 contestants.
The Miss World 2026 finale is scheduled to take place on 5 September.
In a post on X, Musawa commended the Nigerian contestant for her performance and called on Nigerians to participate in the 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 wrote.
She described Karibi-George’s emergence as Africa’s Top Model and qualification for the Top 40 as a significant achievement, while also praising her for using the international platform to promote Nigeria and highlight issues affecting young people.
“Emerging as Africa’s Top Model and securing your place in the Top 40 is a remarkable achievement. But beyond the competition, you have used this platform to showcase Nigeria to the world, speak about issues that truly matter, and inspire so many young people,” Musawa said.
With the voting window approaching its deadline, the minister urged Nigerians to mobilise support for the contestant.
“Nigerians continue to stand with you. There are just nine hours left to vote, and the window is closing fast,” she said.
Musawa also shared the voting link and encouraged Nigerians to vote, share the information and persuade others to participate.
“Soye needs every vote and every point matters for the stages ahead. Voting link in my bio. Please, let’s come together, vote, share and encourage others to do the same. Queen Soye, Nigeria is behind you,” she added.
Karibi-George was crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 on 5 June after emerging ahead of 36 other contestants at the national pageant.
Her performance at the international contest has renewed hopes that Nigeria could secure its second Miss World title.
Nigeria’s only Miss World winner remains Agbani Darego, who made history in 2001 as the first Nigerian to win the global title.
