Lagos representative Damilola Bolarinde has won the Face of Hope 2026 pageant, claiming the Miss International Nigeria 2026 title.
The grand finale took place on April 19, 2026, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos.
Contestants from across Nigeria competed after weeks of training and assessment.
Bolarinde emerged the winner, with Miss Anambra as first runner-up and Miss Rivers as second runner-up.
The victory earns Bolarinde the right to represent Nigeria at Miss International 2026 in Japan later this year.
Catalina Duque of Colombia, the reigning Miss International 2025, was present at the finale and crowned the new winner.
Bolarinde stood out early in camp, winning the Day 1 Punctuality Award and a N100,000 cash prize. She also advanced to the finals through public voting.
Her prize package includes a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, N10 million cash, a modelling contract, and professional catwalk and etiquette training. The title provides media exposure, brand endorsement opportunities, and international representation for Nigeria.
A professional model, Bolarinde previously won Miss Grand Nigeria 2022 and was first runner-up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2025.
She is the founder of “The Unconventional Quest,” an advocacy project that encourages young people to pursue non-traditional careers.
The Face of Hope pageant runs under the theme “Her Flow Her Power” and promotes itself as a platform for beauty, empowerment, discipline, and skills development.
