By Platform Reporters
Esther Akitoye (CCN 007) has taken a commanding lead in the Week 2 Popularity Test of the ongoing maritime industry pageant, Face of Maritime International (FOMI), polling a massive 40% to establish herself as the early fan-favourite to beat.
The official result released on Sunday by the organisers, Girls Go-To-Sea Campaign Initiative, and seen by Platform Reporters shows a clear two-tier contest emerging in the maritime beauty and brain pageant that celebrates young women in the blue economy.
The Top 3 Pull Away:
Akitoye’s 40% is almost double that of her closest rival, Stella Bassey (CCN 010) who sits second with 23%, while Adejoke Adebayo (CCN 003) holds third with a solid 16%.
Together, the top three contestants account for 79% of the total votes cast, leaving the remaining six contestants to share just 21%.
This, analysts say, shows strong grassroots mobilisation and social media influence by the leading trio.
The Mid-Table Struggle:
In the middle of the pack is Ifeoluwa Ige (CCN 001) with 4% and Adesewa Odunewu (CCN 002) with 3.4%, both still within striking distance if momentum shifts in Week 3.
The Bottom Four Need Strategy Reset:
The Week 2 result will be a wake-up call for the bottom four. Rokibat Olaoye (005) polled 1.3%, Precious Akan (009) – 0.9%, Priscillia Nambam (014) – 0.2%, and Vivian Chibuikem (012) – 0.02%.
For them, the road to the crown will require more than popularity – it will demand intense fan engagement, visibility, and storytelling around their maritime advocacy.
What This Means:
The FOMI Week 2 result is more than numbers. It is a popularity barometer that tests contestants’ ability to connect with the maritime community and the general public – a core attribute for a future Face of Maritime International who will become an ambassador for women in shipping, ports and logistics.
With Esther Akitoye opening a 17-point gap, the question is no longer who leads, but can anyone catch her? And can Stella and Adejoke form an alliance of votes to close the gap in Week 3?
Week 3 promises to be decisive as voting continues.
