Federal government urges Nigerians to vote for Soye at Miss World

Nigeria’s federal government is rallying public support for Tamunosoye Karibi-George, known as Soye, as voting narrows at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam.

Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Minister Hannatu Musawa urged Nigerians to vote for the country’s representative in a Friday post on X. She praised Karibi-George’s performance, pointing to her emergence as Africa’s Top Model and her place among the competition’s Top 40 contestants.

“Dear Soye, seeing you carry Nigeria’s name with such grace, confidence and purpose on the Miss World stage has made us incredibly proud. 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 wrote.

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Dear Soye, seeing you carry Nigeria’s name with such grace, confidence and purpose on the Miss World stage has made us incredibly proud. 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.

The minister said only nine hours remained to vote and urged Nigerians to share information about the process and encourage others to support Karibi-George. “Please, let’s come together, vote, share and encourage others to do the same. Queen Tamunosoye Karibi George, Nigeria is behind you,” she said.

Karibi-George, 26, won the Miss World Nigeria 2026 title at Lagos’s Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel, emerging from a field of 20 finalists. A native of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, she represented Bayelsa State in the national contest. She works in communications, belongs to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and founded Beyond Labels, an initiative focused on inclusion and empowerment for children with special needs.

Before winning the national title, she won Miss Africa International 2024 in Accra, Ghana. She has described the global contest as an opportunity to promote Nigeria and advance her advocacy.

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Please, let’s come together, vote, share and encourage others to do the same. Queen Tamunosoye Karibi George, Nigeria is behind you.