The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Friday hosted a Grand Reception for Queen Esther Uchenna, the newly crowned Face Of Maritime International (FOMI) 2025.
The reception ceremony which coincides with the Union’s End of the Year Party took place at the MWUN National Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos.
Recall that Queen Esther Uchenna, a native of Ebony state represented the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in the just concluded 2025 Face Of Maritime International where she emerged victorous, beating candidates of other maritime organisations to clinch the highly coveted maritime industry pageant crown.
The Grand Reception which was part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Face Of Maritime International, a gender advocacy organisation and MWUN, a maritime sector labour union; also provided an opportunity for Queen Esther to show appreciation for the Union’s support for her during the pageant competition.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of a Corporate Recognition Award by FOMI to MWUN as a Strong Supporter of Gender Inclusivity and Women Empowerment in the Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Queen Esther in a group photo with the women group of Maritime Workers of Nigeria (MWUN) during the Grand Reception at the union’s Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos on Friday
Presenting the award to the President-General of MWUN, the Executive Director of Face of Maritime International, Mr Sylvanus Obasi said the recognition was in appreciation of the union’s consistent efforts in creating opportunities and supportive structures for women in maritime-related careers.
Obasi noted that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has a remarkable history with the FOMI competition having won it a record three times in 2019, 2021 and 2025, a record which he said no other maritime organisation has beaten since the competition’s 10 years long history.
According to him, this track record reflects the union’s gender-friendly disposition and its commitment to empowering women within the maritime workforce.
He commended MWUN for fostering an environment that encourages female participation, leadership and professional growth across various shipping and maritime-related roles.
Queen Esther with Com Francis Bunu, PG of Maritime Workers of Nigeria (MWUN) during the Grand Reception at the union’s Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos on Friday
Obasi reaffirmed FOMI’s commitment to its founding mission of encouraging women participation in maritime career, stressing that the Face of Maritime International initiative was designed not just as a beauty pageant, but as an advocacy platform to showcase the potential of women in the maritime industry.
Responding after receiving the award, the President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Com Francis Bunu thanked FOMI Management for the recognition.
Queen Esther in a group photo with Some National Executives of Maritime Workers of Nigeria (MWUN) during the Grand Reception at the union’s Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos on Friday
He said that FOMI as a brand has made a name for itself in the maritime sector through gender inclusion advocacy, women empowerment and changing the errornous perception that maritime is all for men.
He also assured MWUN’s continuous support for FOMI since it’s objective is in line with the aims of it’s foreign affiliates, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) on promoting gender equality and fostering gender balance in maritime cum transport sectors.
The event concluded with an appreciation dance by Queen Esther Uchenna who thrilled the audience with her daintly dance steps, fostering renewed assurances from both parties to work together in advancing inclusivity, women empowerment and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
