As part of efforts to enhance food security through the blue economy, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) in partnership with Bank of Industry (BoI) has inaugurated a Cooperative Society for Fisherwomen in Epe, Lagos.
The Cooperative Society has enlisted 20 ladies from coastal communities in two groups of 10 to manage fish ponds in the Epe riverine area.
Speaking with the News Diet after the inauguration at the weekend, the President of OAF, Hon. Olaitan Williams, said the new venture underscores the Foundation’s commitment to food security, sustainability of coastal communities and value-chain addition for fisheries.
Her words: “At OAF, we started something special in 2023 by doing documentaries on coastal communities in Lagos like the Ehingbeti. During that period we advocated for a distinct Ministry for the Blue Economy and today we have the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“In 2024 we converged stakeholders for the launch of the book; “The Renaissance of Ehingbeti” and in 2025 we decided to prioritise coastal communities development by partnering BoI for strategic projects like this cooperative.”
Williams, however, maintained that for the blue economy to thrive there must be intentional investments in the nation’s coastal communities.
She recalled that while carrying out OAF documentary on Ehingbeti, coastal residents complained bitterly about displacement and the gradual collapse of the fisheries and aquaculture trade.
“When we look at the Nigerian population with emphasis on the youths, about 65 percent of Nigerian youths are living in and around coastal communities. These riverine and coastal communities represent assets that will not only grow the economy but also the communities.
“We have 20 girls in this new venture and most of them can swim. What stops the nation from investing in these girls to become female divers? What stops us from investing in them to become artisanal fishers. They can also be encouraged to play a role in maritime tourism or in the conversion of water hyacinths into several other things to generate revenue.
According to her, the value-chain of fisheries is enormous and with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), these young ladies can be taught the best practices for smoking fish and exporting.
“I also think that we can get hydrographers from residents in coastal communities because they have natural intelligence. Without studying nautical science, they can tell when it is not safe to go into the waters for fishing or other expeditions. They can’t really explain their reasons because it is native intelligence. These persons can also be equipped with vocational skills like boat making, boat repairs, fishing, among others,” she remarked.
Williams also observed that the new initiative is part of the Foundation’s commitment to projecting the girl-child to have a beautiful future in the blue economy.
