Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has emerged as Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The ceremony held on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
The competition featured several stages, including camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances.
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.
Anita Osikhena of Edo State finished as the first runner-up, while Myya Jones of Cross River claimed the second runner-up position.
Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti finished third runner-up, with Melissa Toghanro of Delta completing the top five.
Jones secured an automatic place in the Top Five after receiving the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting competition, according to Silverbird.
Toghanro also earned the chance to represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational.
Special Awards
Osikhena emerged as one of the biggest award winners of the night. 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 won the Best Advocacy Project award, which came with ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other special award winners included Miss Akwa Ibom for Most Photogenic, Miss Ekiti for Miss Amity and Miss Edo for Best Evening Dress.
Miss Oyo won the Top Model award, while Miss Osun took home the Best National Costume prize. Miss Ogun won Best Talent.
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi at the end of the ceremony.
Adewusi Eyes Miss Universe Festival
As Miss Universe Nigeria 2026, Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 24.
She will also present her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project at the international event.
The initiative focuses on raising awareness and encouraging better conversations around women’s health.
Adewusi now begins preparations for her international pageant journey as she gets set to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
