By Platform Reporters
The race for the coveted Blue Queen crown in Season 11 of Face of Maritime International (FOMI) has entered another exciting phase, with 12 contestants emerging as finalists for the much-anticipated institutional camping programme.
The official camping list, released by the FOMI organisers, features 12 young women who have successfully secured places in the next stage of the competition, setting the stage for another round of challenges, personal development and intense rivalry ahead of the grand finale.
Leading the list is Esther Akitoye, Contestant 007, representing the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as Miss NIMASA. Her qualification comes after an impressive outing in the competition’s popularity test, where she emerged winner following three weeks of spirited voting.
Joining her is Stella Bassey, Contestant 010, representing the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA) as Miss ANCLA, while Adejoke Adebayo, Contestant 003, flies the flag of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as Miss NPA.
Other contestants who have earned camping tickets include Ifeoluwa Ige, Contestant 001, representing L.T.T Coastal and Marine Services Ltd as Miss L.T.T, and Rokibat Olaoye, Contestant 005, representing the Nigeria Customs Service as Miss Customs. Adesewa Odunewu, Contestant 002, will also represent the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as Miss NIWA.
The list further features Chidera Anyaorah, Contestant 013, representing the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) as Miss MWUN; Emmanuella Obidigbo, Contestant 015, representing Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency as Miss NPERA; and Priscillia Nambam, Contestant 014, representing Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria as Miss CRFFN.
Also securing places in the camping programme are Vivian Chibuikem, Contestant 012, representing the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as Miss NRC; Chiamaka Nelson, Contestant 006, representing the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) as Miss NAGAFF; and Oluwatimilehin Alarape, Contestant 011, representing SIFAX Group of companies as Miss SIFAX.
Beyond the glamour, fashion and public attention associated with beauty competitions, FOMI has continued to position its platform around maritime awareness, leadership development, environmental consciousness and the empowerment of young women to become ambassadors of the maritime industry.
For the 12 successful contestants, the camping stage represents more than another milestone in a beauty contest. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate confidence, intelligence, discipline, teamwork, communication skills and their understanding of the maritime sector.
With the grand finale approaching, attention will now shift to how the contestants distinguish themselves during the institutional camping exercise. While the 12 have secured their places in this crucial stage, the ultimate Blue Queen title remains up for grabs.
As the competition gathers momentum, the question is no longer simply who has the strongest fan base, but who possesses the personality, knowledge, purpose and leadership qualities to wear the Blue Queen crown and become a worthy ambassador of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
