Jael Tanite Kallamu (Miss Borno), has emerged winner of the Nigerian Carnival Queen 2025/2026, defeating 12 other contestants at the grand finale of the Idoma International Carnival held on Friday night in Otukpo, Benue State.
The colourful event, which attracted dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts and pageant lovers from across the country, marked one of the high points of the annual carnival.
Miss Kallamu clinched the highly coveted crown ahead of Miss Delta, Favour Rosemary Johnson and Miss Kwara, Attah Akum, who emerged as first and second runners-up respectively.
The overall winner went home with a brand new car and a one-year salary, courtesy of the President of the Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai, while the two runners-up were also awarded a one-year salary and appointed automatic brand ambassadors of Expression Wine.
The winner was selected by a panel of judges led by Nollywood actress, Susan Peters, alongside other industry professionals.
The Nigeria Carnival Queen pageant, formerly known as Face of Idoma International, was birthed in 2013 and has since evolved into a national platform.
According to the organisers, the contest is designed to produce female ambassadors who can represent the Idoma nation locally and internationally, regardless of tribe or religion.
The beauty pageant remains the biggest and most prestigious attraction of the annual Idoma International Carnival.
Speaking at the event, Prince Ochai said the pageant has set a new standard for modern beauty contests in Nigeria by attracting a diverse pool of young women aged between 18 and 25.
He noted that although the pageant is less than a decade old, the impact of successive queens has been significant.
“Our queens have travelled across Nigeria participating in charitable fundraisers, while promoting the beauty, intelligence and charm of Nigerian women,” Ochai said.
He added that contestants and titleholders emerging from the platform have been able to develop personal career goals, advocate for humanitarian causes and initiate positive change.
“These women are forward-thinking and motivated. They have gone on to successful careers in government, business, finance, broadcasting, as well as film and television,” he stated.
Explaining why the contest remains open to young women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, Ochai said the pageant is driven by peace and unity.
“We do not discriminate. Any young lady who has the interest of the Idoma nation at heart is free to contest. We have always accommodated participants from other tribes. This is what we stand for — one Nigeria,” he said.
