Omanghana
Medical doctor and Lagos State representative Danielle Adewusi has won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 crown, emerging ahead of 19 other contestants at the grand finale in Lagos.
The event took place on Sunday at the Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Adewusi succeeds Onyinyechi Basil of Anambra State, who held the title in 2025.
Organizers credited her victory to her confidence, elegance and intelligence, as well as her performance during the final question-and-answer session.
Her success also continues a family connection to Nigerian pageantry. Her mother, Anthonia “Tonia” Okogbenin, won a national beauty title in 1991, 35 years before her daughter’s triumph.
A graduate of King’s College London, Adewusi entered the competition with the campaign slogan #TheCrownIsMedical, linking her medical background with her advocacy for women and girls.
She has described medicine and pageantry as complementary platforms for improving healthcare access and creating supportive environments for women.
Adewusi previously served as a UN Women UK delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women. She also founded Scrub the Stigma, a non-profit organization focused on menstrual health education and challenging the stigma surrounding it.
The organization’s work includes outreach programs in Lagos and Edo, alongside efforts to help vulnerable mothers meet medical expenses.
Anita Osikhena, representing Edo State, finished as first runner-up, while Cross River’s Myya Jones placed second runner-up. Oluwafunmibi Ajaja of Ekiti State was named third runner-up.
Delta State representative Melissa Toghanro received the Miss Supranational Nigeria title and will represent the country at the international Miss Supranational competition.
Adewusi will now represent Nigeria at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Source: Omanghana
