Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has emerged as Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The keenly contested finale was held on Sunday at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, following weeks of camp activities, advocacy projects, talent displays and runway showcases.
According to organisers, Silverbird Adewusi won over the judges with her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact, clinching the crown after the final question-and-answer round.
The top 10 finalists 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).
At the end of the night, the final placements were announced as:
Winner: Danielle Adewusi – Lagos
1st Runner-up: Anita Osikhena – Edo
2nd Runner-up: Myya Jones – Cross River
3rd Runner-up: Oluwafunmibi Ajaja – Ekiti
4th Runner-up: Melissa Toghanro – Delta
Silverbird disclosed that Jones secured the highest votes in the fast-track voting, earning an automatic spot in the Top Five.
Toghanro will represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational, while Osikhena emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners.
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, where she will showcase her ‘Scrub the Stigma’ advocacy focused on women’s health.