Danielle Adewusi of Lagos has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026.
The medical doctor and women’s health advocate emerged as the winner of this year’s national pageant after competing against 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The final event was held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, following weeks of camp activities, advocacy projects, talent presentations and stage performances.
Meet Nigeria’s New Queen
Adewusi impressed the judges during the final stages of the competition, eventually taking the crown after the question-and-answer session.
Her victory means she will now represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
More Than a Beauty Pageant
One of the major talking points surrounding Adewusi is her background in medicine and her focus on women’s health.
Her advocacy project, “Scrub the Stigma,” focuses on women’s health and is expected to be part of her representation of Nigeria on the international stage.
That gives her reign a focus beyond the traditional pageant spotlight.
The Final Results
Adewusi took the crown, while Anita Osikhena of Edo finished as first runner-up.
Myya Jones of Cross River was second runner-up, followed by Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti and Melissa Toghanro of Delta.
Toghanro will also represent Nigeria internationally at Miss Supranational.
For Adewusi, however, the biggest challenge is still ahead.
The new Miss Universe Nigeria now has the opportunity to take her advocacy and Nigeria’s name to the global Miss Universe stage.
Nigeria has a new queen — and her international journey is just beginning.
