Esther Akitoye Leads with 40% as Contenders Jostle for Positions in FOMI Crown Race

 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Esther Akitoye (CCN 007) has edged other contenders with an impressive poll of 40% at the ongoing maritime industry pageant, Face of Maritime International (FOMI), taking an early lead in the race.

This was revealed in the official results made available by the organisers of Girls Go-To-Sea Campaign Initiative, on Sunday.

According to the official result, Akitoye’s 40% nearly double that of her closest rival, Stella Bassey (CCN 010) who emerges second with 23%, while Adejoke Adebayo (CCN 003) holds third with a solid 16%.

The top three contenders account for 79% of the total votes cast, leaving the remaining six rivals to share just 21% in the Week 2 Popularity Test of the programme.

As voting continues, analysts attributed the week 2 results to the ability of the top three to influence social media and drive grassroots mobilisation

 

 

 

This, analysts say, shows their strong grassroots mobilisation efforts and social media presence.

Other rivals who were in the middle category league include Ifeoluwa Ige (CCN 001) with 4% and Adesewa Odunewu (CCN 002) who polled 3.4%, both appearing within striking distance if momentum shifts in Week 3.

However, Rokibat Olaoye (005) polling 1.3%, Precious Akan (009) – 0.9%, Priscillia Nambam (014) – 0.2%, and Vivian Chibuikem (012) – 0.02%, who emerged bottom four need to intensify their efforts to gain more fan confidence.

“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.

“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, but ends at the end of Week 3 on Saturday, Nov 7, 2026,” the organisers said.