Danielle Adewusi, representing Lagos State, has emerged as the winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 pageant. The grand finale was held on Sunday at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, after weeks of camp activities, advocacy projects, talent displays, and runway showcases. Adewusi won over the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance, and commitment to social impact.
The top 10 finalists included representatives from various states across Nigeria. They were Danielle Adewusi (Lagos), Anita Osikhena (Edo), Myya Jones (Cross River), Melissa Toghanro (Delta), Oluwafunmibi Ajaja (Ekiti), Benedicta Iferike (Abuja), Chidinma Oluku (Abia), Precious Chinah (Rivers), Eno Idungafa (Akwa Ibom), and Edidiong Udoidua (Ebonyi). The competition was keen, with each contestant vying for the top spot.
According to the organisers, Adewusi clinched the crown after the final question-and-answer round. The final placements were announced as follows: Winner - Danielle Adewusi (Lagos), 1st Runner-up - Anita Osikhena (Edo), 2nd Runner-up - Myya Jones (Cross River), 3rd Runner-up - Oluwafunmibi Ajaja (Ekiti), and 4th Runner-up - Melissa Toghanro (Delta). Myya Jones secured the highest votes in the fast-track voting, earning an automatic spot in the Top Five.
Other contestants also received special awards for their performances. Anita Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving N1 million from Yolo Island and a two-night all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort. She also clinched the Best Advocacy Project award, receiving a N500,000 cash prize and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products. Other special awards went to Miss Akwa Ibom (Most Photogenic), Miss Ekiti (Miss Amity), Miss Edo (Best Evening Dress), Miss Oyo (Top Model), Miss Osun (Best National Costume), and Miss Ogun (Best Talent).
Silverbird Group President and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi the new queen. Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe festival, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She will showcase her ‘Scrub the Stigma’ advocacy, which focuses on women’s health.
Melissa Toghanro, one of the contestants, will represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational. The pageant has provided a platform for contestants to showcase their talents and commitment to social impact. The competition has also offered opportunities for contestants to win various awards and prizes.
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has been a significant event in the country's entertainment industry. The grand finale was attended by notable figures and was widely covered by the media. Danielle Adewusi's crowning as Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 marks the beginning of her journey to represent Nigeria at the international level.
Key points
- Danielle Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Adewusi won over the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance, and commitment to social impact.
- The pageant provided a platform for contestants to showcase their talents and commitment to social impact.
