By Platform Reporters — Lagos
The race for the crown of Face of Maritime International (FOMI) 2026 has kicked off on a competitive note, as organizers, Girls Go-To-Sea Campaign Initiative, released the Week 1 Popularity Test Result on Sunday.
Topping the chart is Contestant 007, Esther Akitoye, who polled 25% of the total votes to emerge as the early favourite in the keenly contested popularity test.
Close behind is Stella Bassey, CCN 010, with 16% while Adejoke Adebayo, CCN 003, secured 15% to occupy the third position — setting up a tight top-three battle as the contest progresses.
The result shows a clear lead for the top three contestants, who collectively account for 56% of the total votes cast in Week 1.
Further down the table, Adesewa Odunewu, CCN 002, polled 3% to place fourth, followed by Rokibat Olaoye, CCN 005, with 1.3%, and Ifeoluwa Ige, CCN 001, with 1%.
At the lower end are Precious Akan, CCN 009 (0.9%), Priscillia Nambam, CCN 014 (0.2%), and Vivian Chibuikem, CCN 012 (0.02%), who will need to intensify their campaigns in the coming weeks to climb up the ladder.
The Week 1 Popularity Test is a preliminary assessment designed to gauge public appeal, fan base strength, and early mobilization strategy of contestants ahead of the main FOMI activities.
Speaking on the result, the FOMI Director, Mr Sylva Obasi noted that the test is not the final determinant, but a pointer to public perception and engagement.
“This is just Week 1. The race is still very open. What we have seen is that some contestants came prepared with strong support systems, while others are still warming up,”the FOMI Director said.
With two more weeks of voting, task presentations and public engagements still ahead, stakeholders say the current ranking could change drastically as contestants leverage social media, maritime advocacy, and community outreach to win voters.
The Face of Maritime International, organized by Girls Go-To-Sea Campaign Initiative, is aimed at promoting the role of young women in the maritime industry, in line with its mantra: …”maritime is not only for men”!
Voting for Week 2 is already ongoing since Monday morning, and fans, supporters and the general public are expected to vote for their favourite candidates.
