Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 title, emerging from a field of 20 contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The finale was held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, after the contestants took part in camp activities, advocacy projects, talent presentations and runway showcases.
Adewusi secured the crown after the final question-and-answer session, with organisers, Silverbird, citing her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact among the qualities that distinguished her.
She was crowned by Silverbird Group President and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce.
Edo State representative Anita Osikhena finished as the first runner-up, while Myya Jones of Cross River emerged second runner-up. Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti placed third runner-up, while Delta’s Melissa Toghanro finished as fourth runner-up.
The other contestants who made the Top 10 were Benedicta Iferike of Abuja, Chidinma Oluku of Abia, Precious Chinah of Rivers, Eno Idungafa of Akwa Ibom and Edidiong Udoidua of Ebonyi.
Jones also secured a place in the Top Five after recording the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting category.
Beyond the main crown, Osikhena emerged with two major awards. She won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving ₦1 million from Yolo Island and a two-night all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort.
She also received the Best Advocacy Project award, which came with ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other special awards went to the representatives of Akwa Ibom for Most Photogenic, Ekiti for Miss Amity, Edo for Best Evening Dress, Oyo for Top Model, Osun for Best National Costume and Ogun for Best Talent.
Toghanro, who finished fourth runner-up, will represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational.
Adewusi will now represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her advocacy project, “Scrub the Stigma,” focuses on women’s health and is expected to form part of her representation on the international stage.
The new queen’s international appearance will follow the conclusion of the Nigerian competition, which brought together contestants from different states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ademide Adebayo
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