Damilola Bolarinde Face of Hope 2026 winner crowned Miss International Nigeria 2026 in Lagos, earning a ticket to represent Nigeria in Japan

Model Damilola Bolarinde was on Sunday crowned winner of the Face of Hope 2026 pageant, emerging as Miss International Nigeria 2026 at a glamorous grand finale held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.

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Face of Hope crown goes to Damilola Bolarinde champion 2026 victory came after weeks of competition, training, and assessment involving contestants from across Nigeria, culminating in a tightly contested finale.

Representing Lagos State, Damilola Bolarinde was declared winner ahead of Miss Anambra, who finished as first runner-up, while Miss Rivers secured the second runner-up position.

The event was marked by high anticipation and excitement, with reigning Miss International 2025, Catalina Duque, officially crowning the new titleholder in a symbolic handover moment that drew applause from the audience.

As part of her win, Damilola Bolarinde will represent Nigeria at the Miss International 2026 pageant scheduled to take place in Japan later this year, placing her on an international stage.

Her journey to the crown included early recognition during the camp phase, where she won the Day 1 Punctuality Award alongside a cash prize of N100,000.

She also advanced through the public voting stage, strengthening her position as a fan favourite.

Beyond the title, she secured a prize package that includes a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, a N10 million cash reward, a modelling contract, and professional training in catwalk and etiquette.

The platform also provides media exposure and endorsement opportunities.

Damilola is an established professional model and former Miss Grand Nigeria 2022, as well as first runner-up at Miss Universe Nigeria 2025.

She is also the founder of “The Unconventional Quest,” an advocacy initiative encouraging young people to pursue non-traditional career paths.

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Her latest achievement has been widely celebrated as a defining milestone in her rising career in the global modelling and pageantry space.