By Cyril Ehis
Lagos State representative, Danielle Adewusi, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 after defeating 19 other contestants at the pageant’s grand finale in Lagos.
The finale was held on Sunday, September 27, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following weeks of competition featuring camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases, and stage performances.
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According to the organisers, Adewusi impressed the judges with her “confidence, intelligence, elegance, and commitment to social impact,” ultimately securing the crown after the final question-and-answer session.
The Top 10 contestants 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).
Final Placements:
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
It was gathered that Jones received the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting process, earning an automatic place in the Top Five.
Toghanro also emerged as Nigeria’s representative at Miss Supranational, while Osikhena was among the night’s standout award winners.
Osikhena 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, taking home ₦500,000 and a one-year supply of Golden Penny products.
Other awards included:
Most Photogenic: Miss Akwa Ibom
Miss Amity: Miss Ekiti
Best Evening Dress: Miss Edo
Top Model: Miss Oyo
Best National Costume: Miss Osun
Best Talent: Miss Ogun
President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria, Guy Murray-Bruce, crowned Adewusi at the end of the ceremony.
Adewusi will represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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She will also take her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project, which focuses on women’s health, to the global stage.
