By: Manoah Kikekon
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The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative hosted its inaugural Riverine Women Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, bringing together women leaders from coastal and riverine settlements across Lagos State to engage directly with state officials on critical issues affecting their livelihoods, community development, and safety.
The engagement, held on Friday, 23 October 2026, at the Ijegun Egba Ferry Terminal in Satellite Town, Oriade LCDA, was centered on the theme “Women’s Participation, Leadership and Inclusion in the Blue Economy.”
The event highlighted the pivotal role of inclusive governance and grassroots women's leadership in driving sustainable coastal development, particularly in underserved riverine areas that face unique socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.
Serving as the principal government representative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, addressed the gathering, listening to primary concerns raised by the women leaders regarding healthcare, education, community infrastructure, and economic welfare.
Reassuring the delegates of the administration's commitment, Mr. Emmanuel emphasized that urgent local issues would be prioritized while systemic matters would be referred to appropriate government bodies.
“Direct communication between the government and grassroots stakeholders is vital. The concerns raised today regarding healthcare, education, and development in our riverine communities will be communicated to the relevant agencies for swift attention, ensuring no community is left behind.”
Outlining the vision of the organizers, the Team Lead of Blue Lagos, Mr. Saheed Adesanya, highlighted ongoing welfare and infrastructure projects designed to uplift coastal populations. He noted that ongoing initiatives include medical outreach, access to clean water infrastructure, safety equipment, and financial empowerment.
“Our commitment remains focused on practical, people-centered interventions that directly respond to the needs of underserved populations,” Adesanya stated. “With continued collaboration alongside the Office of the Special Adviser on Blue Economy, we are expanding our outreach to ensure sustainable growth across all riverine communities.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Woman Leader of Blue Lagos, Olori Ololade Asani, emphasized the central role women play in the local coastal economy
“Women in riverine communities are the backbone of family welfare, local commerce, fisheries, and community leadership. This dialogue was organized to give them direct access to key policy-makers so their voices, recommendations, and concerns are reflected in the development of Lagos State’s blue economy.”
As part of the initiative, participating women leaders received empowerment and safety packages, including essential foodstuffs, life jackets, solar torchlights, branded attire, and stipends.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the participants, Olori Shittu Rashidat of the Ibasa-Ijegun Egba Kingdom praised the platform for bridging the gap between local communities and state authorities:
“We are truly grateful to Blue Lagos for bringing women leaders together and providing us with this opportunity to interact directly with Mr. Damilola Emmanuel. Receiving assurances that our community needs are being heard gives us confidence that our voices matter in shaping the future.”
The dialogue concluded with a renewed pledge from both community leaders and state representatives to foster ongoing partnership, ensuring sustainable development, heightened safety, and enhanced economic inclusion for all riverine communities in Lagos State.