April 20, (THEWILL) — Miss Lagos Damilola Bolarinde has been crowned Miss International Nigeria 2026 after winning the Face of Hope pageant at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on April 19, 2026.
She was crowned by Catalina Duque of Colombia, the reigning Miss International 2025. Miss Anambra, Genevieve Edwin, placed first runner-up, while Miss Rivers, Augusta, came in as second runner-up.
Bolarinde stood out throughout the competition, winning the Day 1 Punctuality Award and advancing to the finals through public voting.
Her prize package includes a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, ₦10 million cash, a modelling contract, and professional training.
She will represent Nigeria at Miss International 2026 in Japan later this year.
She previously won Miss Grand Nigeria 2022 and was first runner-up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2025.
Outside pageantry, she runs The Unconventional Quest, an initiative encouraging young people to explore non-traditional career paths.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
