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•Says Nigeria Can Produce Another Agbani Darego
By Amos Odhe
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that reigning Miss Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, has the poise, intellect and cultural depth to become Nigeria’s second Miss World after Agbani Derego.
Governor Diri who stated this while receiving the beauty queen and her delegation at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa on Tuesday, pledged his administration’s full support for her quest for the global crown in Vietnam.
The governor hailed Miss Karibi-George as a “beauty with brains” and dismissed social media debates over her state of origin, insisting she is an Ijaw daughter of Bayelsa, Rivers and the entire Niger Delta.
The Bayelsa governor, who commended Tamunosoye for making the state proud, having represented Bayelsa in the competition, said her effort had greatly promoted the culture, traditions and environment of the Niger Delta.
Governor Diri particularly commended Miss Karibi-George for the costume she wore during the pageant, noting that it reflected her identity and environment as an Ijaw from the Niger Delta.
He equally applauded her parents for giving the beauty queen a proper upbringing.
His words: “Listening to her today and what l 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 be carried away by your success. This is the beginning of greater things to come and your future will be brighter than today.
“Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward for you to become another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support you, especially in your pursuit for the Miss World crown.
“I am aware of the arguments on in the social media space about her state of origin. 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.
“We appreciate and celebrate your parents who brought you up well until you became the cynosure of all eyes. It is not enough to give birth to children. Parents should try to bring them up well like Tamunosoye.”
In his remarks, President, Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described Miss Karibi-George as the Amazon of the Mangrove Forest.
Lokpobiri and the Team Lead, Prince Iwefa Aganaba, explained that the visit was to formally present her crown to the Bayelsa governor in recognition of the fact that he is the Governor -General of the Ijaw nation and to also solicit his administration’s support for her in the Miss World 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 to anywhere else.”
In her remarks, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George said before she entered the contest, she wanted a platform to represent her roots on the national stage depicting beauty, culture and grace.
She said, “I am proud to have carried the flag of the Ijaw nation to Nigeria and came out victorious.
Tamunosoye, who said she was inspired by former Miss World 2001, Agbani Darego, informed the governor about her initiative tagged, “Beyond Labels,” which she noted advocates for awareness, education and inclusivity, especially for children with special needs and other societal labels and stereotypes.
According to her, “such children see their disabilities first rather than their potential. But I believe that given the opportunity, they can thrive on the global stage.”
