The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development in the Niger Delta region through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives to support vulnerable groups across the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the reigning Miss World Nigeria 2026, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi George, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the Commission believes in partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, and development-focused stakeholders.

He disclosed that the NDDC would explore avenues for collaboration with the beauty queen's non-governmental organisation to support programmes that target the less privileged in Niger Delta communities.

Ogbuku assured Miss Karibi of the Commission's support in actualising her vision of reaching out to vulnerable members of society, noting that such initiatives align with the core mandate of the NDDC.

The NDDC Managing Director further described Miss World Nigeria as a role model whose achievements would inspire younger generations. He recalled that the Niger Delta had previously produced a global beauty icon, Agbani Darego, who made history as the first Black African woman to win the Miss World crown.

Congratulating the beauty queen on her emergence, Ogbuku stated that the Commission was proud of her accomplishment and would be delighted to support initiatives that promote social inclusion and uplift vulnerable communities.

He highlighted several intervention programmes undertaken by the NDDC across the Niger Delta, including free medical outreaches, educational support programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition training, and community development projects.

The reigning Miss World Nigeria 2026, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi George, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for its support and confidence in her ability to represent the Niger Delta on the national stage.

The beauty queen outlined her advocacy project, "Beyond Label," which focuses on promoting education, awareness, and inclusion, and on challenging societal stereotypes about children living with disabilities and special needs.

She described such children as "diamond labels," emphasising that, despite being underserved in society, they possess immense potential and can excel with opportunities and support.

"We want society to see ability before disability and possibility before limitation. These children are capable of achieving remarkable things if given the opportunity to thrive," she said.

Karibi explained that her passion for children with special needs was inspired by her experiences at a school that catered to them. She recalled witnessing their transformation from complete dependence on caregivers to greater independence through education, mentorship, and dedicated support from teachers.

Also speaking, the beauty queen's father, Mr Karibi George, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for its encouragement and support.

He described his daughter's victory as the product of hard work, determination, and commitment to service, noting that her advocacy project embodies the Miss World philosophy of "Beauty with a Purpose."

George stated that the "Beyond Label" initiative would serve as a platform to raise awareness and champion the cause of vulnerable and underserved children, while inspiring greater inclusion and acceptance within society.

•PHOTO, L-R: NDDC Executive Director Project, Dr Victor Antai; Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi George; the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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