Miss Lagos, Damilola Bolarinde, has won the Face of Hope 2026 pageant and been crowned Miss International Nigeria 2026.
The grand finale took place on April 19, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, with contestants from across the country competing after weeks of training and assessment. Bolarinde emerged overall winner, while Miss Anambra finished as first runner up and Miss Rivers as second runner up.
Her victory means she will represent Nigeria at the Miss International 2026 pageant in Japan later this year. She received the crown from Catalina Duque of Colombia, the reigning Miss International 2025, who attended the Lagos finale.
Bolarinde had been one of the standout contestants in camp. She won the Day 1 Punctuality Award along with a N100,000 cash prize and also secured her place in the finals through strong public voting support.
Her prize package includes a Mercedes Benz GLE 350, N10 million in cash, a modelling contract and professional catwalk and etiquette training. The title also offers media exposure, brand endorsement opportunities and the chance to represent Nigeria on international stages.
A professional model, Bolarinde previously won Miss Grand Nigeria 2022 and was first runner up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2025. She is also the founder of “The Unconventional Quest,” an advocacy project that encourages young people to pursue non traditional careers.
The Face of Hope pageant, held under the theme “Her Flow Her Power,” positions itself as a platform for beauty, empowerment, discipline and skills development for young women.
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