Governor Diri Backs Miss World Nigeria’s Global Ambition, Sees ‘Another Agbani Darego’ in Karibi-George

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has expressed confidence that Nigeria could produce another Miss World winner in Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, describing her as a rare combination of beauty and intellect.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday when Karibi-George, accompanied by members of her delegation, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa, following her emergence as Miss World Nigeria 2026.

Diri commended the beauty queen for bringing pride to Bayelsa State and the wider Ijaw nation through her performance in the national pageant and pledged the support of his administration as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming Miss World competition in Vietnam.

According to the governor, Karibi-George’s participation in the pageant has helped project the rich culture, traditions, and environmental heritage of the Niger Delta to a national audience.

He particularly praised the traditional costume she wore during the competition, noting that it reflected her identity as an Ijaw daughter and effectively showcased the unique cultural heritage of the region.

The governor also addressed debates on social media over her state of origin, stressing that she remains a daughter of the Ijaw nation regardless of whether her roots are traced to Bayelsa or Rivers State.

“Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward to you becoming another Agbani Darego,” Diri said.

“Listening to her today and what I have also seen in the media space, clearly she is not just beautiful in outlook but 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.”

He added that Bayelsa and Rivers States share a common heritage and should celebrate her achievement collectively.

The governor also commended her parents for what he described as exemplary parenting, saying her success reflected the values and discipline instilled in her upbringing.

Earlier, 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 aimed at formally presenting her crown to Governor Diri in recognition of his position as the “Governor-General of the Ijaw nation.”

Lokpobiri, alongside Team Lead Prince Iwefa Aganaba, also appealed for government support as the beauty queen prepares for the international competition.

“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,” Lokpobiri said.

Speaking during the visit, Karibi-George said her decision to participate in the pageant was driven by a desire to showcase her roots and represent the Ijaw people on a national platform through beauty, culture, and grace.

She said she was proud to have carried the flag of the Ijaw nation and emerge victorious at the national level.

The beauty queen revealed that she draws inspiration from Agbani Darego, Nigeria’s first Miss World winner, and expressed determination to make the country proud on the global stage.

Karibi-George also highlighted her advocacy initiative, “Beyond Labels,” which focuses on promoting awareness, education, and inclusivity for children with special needs and others affected by societal stereotypes.

According to her, many children are often defined by their disabilities rather than their abilities and potential.

“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.

Karibi-George is expected to represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant later this year, carrying the hopes of the nation and the aspirations of many young Nigerians seeking greater inclusion and representation.