Imo State representative Isinwa Chidozie Senator has emerged as the winner of Mr Universe Nigeria 2026 and Mr Cosmo Nigeria, securing a chance to represent the country at an international pageant in Vietnam.

Senator was crowned at the grand finale held on Saturday at Skyview, The Lekki Coliseum, Lagos, where contestants representing different states competed for the national titles.

A video shared by the Nigerian organisers captured the moment the anchor announced Senator as the winner, with the Imo representative standing alongside Mr Lagos.

“The winner for Mr Cosmo Nigeria and Mr Universe 2026 is Mr Imo,” the anchor announced as the crowd applauded.

His victory comes with prizes valued at more than ₦7 million, including a brand-new car, cash awards and other gifts.

Senator is a fashion model and sports enthusiast and an alumnus of Imo State University, where he previously held the title of Mr Imo State University.

His latest victory is not his first major experience in male pageantry. He previously finished as first runner-up at an edition of Misters of Nigeria before returning to compete for the national crown.

As Mr Universe Nigeria and Mr Cosmo Nigeria, Senator will now represent Nigeria at the Mister Cosmo International pageant in Vietnam in January, where he will compete against representatives from other countries.

Other contestants also secured titles at the Lagos event. Mr Lagos emerged as first runner-up, while Mr Edo finished as second runner-up.

Mr Benue won the Gentlemanx Top Model category, Mr Enugu was crowned Mister Tourism Africa Nigeria, while Mr Ogun received the Man of the Year title.

The Mr Universe Nigeria pageant is organised to select Nigerian representatives for international male pageantry competitions and attracts contestants from across the country.

Senator’s emergence continues his rise in male pageantry and gives the Imo representative another opportunity to take Nigerian representation onto the international stage.

Last year, Chidi Udengwu was crowned Mister Universe Nigeria 2025 and represented Nigeria at the international Mister Universe competition in the United States, where he finished among the Top Six finalists.