Nigeria can produce another Miss World, says Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has lauded Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, describing her as a "beauty with intellect." He expressed confidence that Nigeria has the potential to produce another Miss World, following in the footsteps of past winners. Governor Diri conveyed this during a courtesy visit by Karibi-George and her delegation to the Government House in Yenagoa.

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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. I urge you not to be carried away by your success. This is the beginning of greater things to come, and your future will be brighter than today.

Governor Diri commended Karibi-George for representing Bayelsa State with pride in the competition and assured her of his administration's full support for her upcoming bid in the Miss World pageant in Vietnam. He highlighted her efforts in significantly promoting the culture, traditions, and environment of the Niger Delta region. The governor also addressed social media discussions regarding her state of origin, clarifying that she is an Ijaw daughter from both Bayelsa and Rivers states, emphasizing their shared identity.

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Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward to you becoming another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support you, especially in your pursuit of the Miss World crown.

He particularly praised the costume Karibi-George wore during the pageant, noting that it authentically reflected her identity and heritage as an Ijaw person from the Niger Delta. Governor Diri also applauded her parents for providing her with a proper upbringing, stating that it is crucial for parents not only to give birth to children but also to raise them well, as exemplified by Tamunosoye.

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She is not just our daughter, but she is also the daughter of Nigeria. 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.

In his remarks, Governor Diri urged Karibi-George not to be complacent with her current success, viewing it as the beginning of greater achievements. He expressed his belief that her future will be brighter than her present success. The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, referred to her as the "Amazon of the Mangrove Forest" and formally presented her crown to the governor, recognizing him as the "Governor-General of the Ijaw nation." Lokpobiri and Team Lead Iwefa Aganaba solicited the governor's support for Karibi-George's Miss World campaign.

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On behalf of the Ijaw Youth Council, the essence of our visit is to present this crown to you as the Governor General of the Ijaw nation before we take it anywhere else.