Danielle Adewusi, representing Lagos, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after emerging winner among 20 contestants at the grand finale in Lagos. The event took place on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 24. Her advocacy project, "Scrub the Stigma," focuses on women's health issues.
The grand finale featured weeks of activities, including camp challenges, advocacy presentations, talent displays, and runway performances. Adewusi stood out due to her confidence, intelligence, elegance, and commitment to social impact, eventually winning over the judges during the final question-and-answer session. The newly crowned queen will showcase her advocacy initiative on the global stage.
Anita Osikhena of Edo and Myya Jones of Cross River emerged as the first and second runners-up, respectively. The Top 10 finalists included Benedicta Iferike from Abuja, Chidinma Oluku from Abia, Precious Chinah from Rivers, Eno Idungafa from Akwa Ibom, and Edidiong Udoidua from Ebonyi. Myya Jones secured her place among the Top Five after receiving the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting category.
Melissa Toghanro from Delta earned recognition as she was selected to represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational. Other special award winners included Most Photogenic (Miss Akwa Ibom), Miss Amity (Miss Ekiti), Best Evening Dress (Miss Edo), Top Model (Miss Oyo), Best National Costume (Miss Osun), and Best Talent (Miss Ogun).
Anita Osikhena, the Edo representative, had a memorable night, winning the Pitch Your Dream Competition and receiving ₦1 million from Yolo Island, along with a two-night all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort. Osikhena also won the Best Advocacy Project award, receiving ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
President of Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Danielle Adewusi at the end of the ceremony. With the crown now secured, all eyes will be on Adewusi as she prepares to represent Nigeria on the international Miss Universe stage later this year.
The event was organized by Silverbird Group, with the aim of selecting a representative for Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition. The competition was fierce, with 20 contestants vying for the top spot. In the end, Adewusi's confidence, intelligence, and commitment to social impact made her stand out.
Key points
- Danielle Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Adewusi's advocacy project, "Scrub the Stigma," focuses on creating awareness around women's health issues.
- The grand finale featured weeks of activities, including camp challenges, advocacy presentations, talent displays, and runway performances.
