By:Onifade Samuel
Lagos State representative, Danielle Adewusi, has emerged as the winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 pageant after defeating 19 other contestants at the grand finale held in Lagos.
The grand finale took place on Sunday at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following weeks of competition that featured camp activities, advocacy projects, talent showcases and stage performances.
Adewusi secured the crown after the final question-and-answer session, with the organisers highlighting her confidence, intelligence, elegance and commitment to social impact.
She was crowned by Guy Murray-Bruce, President of the Silverbird Group and National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria.
Anita Osikhena of Edo State emerged as the first runner-up, followed by Myya Jones of Cross River as second runner-up. Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti finished as third runner-up, while Melissa Toghanro of Delta emerged as fourth runner-up.
The Top 10 finalists also included Benedicta Iferike of Abuja, Chidinma Oluku of Abia, Precious Chinah of Rivers, Eno Idungafa of Akwa Ibom and Edidiong Udoidua of Ebonyi.
Jones had earlier secured an automatic place in the Top Five after receiving the highest number of votes in the fast-track voting category.
Beyond the main crown, several contestants received special recognitions. Osikhena won the Pitch Your Dream Competition, receiving ₦1 million 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.
Toghanro, meanwhile, earned the opportunity to represent Nigeria at Miss Supranational.
Adewusi will now represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe Festival scheduled for November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
She is also expected to take her “Scrub the Stigma” advocacy project to the international stage. The initiative focuses on women’s health, promoting education, encouraging open conversations and addressing stigma surrounding women's healthcare.
The new queen previously described her interest in combining medicine, women’s health advocacy and public speaking, having studied Medicine at King’s College London.
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