Danielle Adewusi has won Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The finale took place on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event came after weeks of competition, which included camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances.
According to Silverbird, Adewusi impressed the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact. She eventually secured the crown after the final question-and-answer session.
Danielle Adewusi Emerges Winner
Anita Osikhena of Edo State emerged as the first runner-up, while Myya Jones of Cross River State took the second runner-up position.
Meanwhile, Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti State finished as the third runner-up. Melissa Toghanro of Delta State completed the top five as the fourth runner-up.
The remaining contestants in 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.
In addition, Jones earned an automatic place in the Top Five through the fast-track voting process. She received the highest number of votes in that category.
Osikhena Wins Multiple Awards
Toghanro will represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational. At the same time, Osikhena emerged as one of the major award winners of the night.
For the Pitch Your Dream Competition, Osikhena received ₦1 million from Yolo Island. She also earned a two-night, all-expenses-paid stay at Yolo Island Beach Resort.
Furthermore, she won the Best Advocacy Project award. The prize included ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other special award winners included Miss Akwa Ibom, who won Most Photogenic, and Miss Ekiti, who received the Miss Amity title.
Miss Edo also won Best Evening Dress, while Miss Oyo took home the Top Model award. In addition, Miss Osun won Best National Costume, while Miss Ogun emerged as the winner of the Best Talent award.
Adewusi to Represent Nigeria
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi at the end of the ceremony.
Following her victory, Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival. The event is scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Beyond the pageant, she will also take her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project to the global stage. The initiative focuses on women’s health and seeks to promote greater awareness of health-related issues affecting women.
As preparations begin, Adewusi will look ahead to her international appearance as Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe Festival.
