The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Friday hosted a grand reception in honour of Queen Esther Uchenna, the newly crowned Face of Maritime International (FOMI) 2025, celebrating her outstanding victory on the global maritime advocacy stage.
The colourful ceremony, which coincided with the Union’s End-of-the-Year Party, was held at the MWUN National Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos, drawing union leaders, stakeholders and maritime professionals together in celebration.
Uchenna, an indigene of Ebonyi State, represented MWUN at the recently concluded 2025 Face of Maritime International (FOMI) competition, where she emerged victorious over contestants from other maritime organisations to clinch the prestigious crown.
The reception formed part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between FOMI — a gender advocacy organisation—and MWUN, a leading labour union in the maritime sector. It also provided a platform for Uchenna to formally appreciate the Union for its unwavering support throughout the competition.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a Corporate Recognition Award to MWUN by FOMI, in recognition of the Union’s role as a strong supporter of gender inclusivity and women empowerment within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Presenting the award, the Executive Director of FOMI, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, praised MWUN for its consistent efforts in creating opportunities and supportive structures for women pursuing maritime-related careers. He noted that MWUN has an unmatched record in the FOMI competition, having won the crown three times — 2019, 2021 and 2025—an achievement no other maritime organisation has recorded in the competition’s 10-year history.
According to Obasi, the feat underscores the Union’s gender-friendly disposition and its commitment to empowering women across the maritime workforce. He commended MWUN for fostering an environment that encourages female participation, leadership and professional growth in shipping and allied sectors.
Obasi reaffirmed FOMI’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in maritime careers, stressing that the initiative goes beyond a beauty pageant to serve as an advocacy platform showcasing the capacity and potential of women in the industry.
In his response, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, expressed appreciation to FOMI for the recognition, describing the organisation as a respected brand that has consistently championed gender inclusion and women empowerment in the maritime sector. He noted that FOMI has played a key role in challenging the misconception that maritime careers are exclusively for men.
Bunu further assured FOMI of MWUN’s continued support, noting that its objectives align with those of the Union’s international affiliates — the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), in promoting gender equality and balance within the maritime and transport sectors.
The event ended on a high note with an appreciation dance by Queen Esther Uchenna, whose graceful performance delighted guests and reinforced the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing inclusivity, women empowerment and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry.