His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV and the Chief Executive Officer, Nobel Oil Nigeria, Mr Michael Okparanta, during the 3rd edition of the Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub, with the Theme “The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in Community Engagement and Inclusivity,” held in Lagos on Tuesday.
A Don, Prof Jinadu Adele, on Tuesday underscored the need for inclusive governance in Nigeria, saying that it remained the only pathway to national development.
Adele urged government at all levels to prioritise public interest in their policies and programmes, especially with regards to the local communities.
He made the appeal during the 3rd Edition of the Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub, which has the theme, “The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in Community Engagement and Inclusivity,” held in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Ehingbeti Maritime Hub was convened by the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation founded by Mrs Violet Olaitan Williams.
Adele, a retired Professor of Political Science, noted that inclusivity would ensure that coastal communities fully benefit from the potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector.
He also emphasised the need for Nigerians to unite and demand accountability from their leaders.
“For the past 25 years, several programmes have been launched with great fanfare, and millions of naira have been spent inaugurating them. Yet, where are we today? There must be something fundamentally wrong,” he lamented.
The octogenarian professor, who decried indiscriminate sand-filling activities across Lagos without community consultation, said citizens must become proactive in protecting their collective interests.
“From Ilubirin to Oworonshoki, massive sand filling are going on without our knowledge of what exactly is happening. The problem is that we have left the initiative in the hands of those who do not have our interests at heart.
“Let us organise ourselves and make it clear to the politicians that it will no longer be business as usual. I am 84 years old, and even with the little time left, I will continue to say, ‘Lagos people, wake up!’,” Adele said.
He criticised the neglect of coastal communities, noting that many were still battling with poor water supply, bad roads, inadequate hospitals and insufficient schools despite Lagos’ enormous investments in infrastructure.
He urged government agencies to always consult community residents before executing projects that affected their environment, saying such inclusion would foster trust and sustainable development.
Adele further expressed concern over the lack of transparency in governance, adding that citizens must become vigilant to protect their democratic rights.
“In other countries, ordinary citizens and local groups defend their votes during elections. Here, we celebrate politicians instead. Unless we organise ourselves and hold leaders accountable, our votes will never truly count,” he said.
He called on Lagos indigenes to rise and chart an indigenous roadmap for the state’s development, rooted in its unique cultural and economic identity.
In his goodwill message, a Traditional Ruler, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, commended the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation for its leadership in promoting sustainable blue economy practices and community engagement.
Oba Ogunsanwo described the seminar’s theme as timely, stressing that local participation and gender inclusiveness were vital for national prosperity.
“The Blue Economy holds immense potential to diversify our national wealth, create jobs, and foster sustainable livelihoods, especially for coastal communities,” he said.
He reaffirmed his kingdom’s readiness to contribute to Lagos State’s vision of a prosperous and inclusive blue economy that could serve as a model for the African continent.
In her remarks, the Founder of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation and Convener of the Ehingbeti Maritime Hub, Mrs. Violet Olaitan Williams, described the gathering as a milestone in harnessing ocean resources for sustainable growth.
She noted that the Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub had evolved into a platform for meaningful dialogue and tangible outcomes within the maritime sector.
“We cannot afford to leave the government alone in this endeavour. All hands must be on deck to develop the wealth of our coastal communities,” Williams said.
Also, the President, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA-Nigeria), Mrs Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, lauded the foundation for its perseverance in championing the blue economy agenda.
She noted that the history of Nigeria’s blue economy could not be written without acknowledging the Ehingbeti community, which embraced marine trade long before Nigeria’s independence.
Edodo-Emore also praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying advocacy from groups like Ehingbeti made the ministry’s creation possible.
“Women play a crucial role in economic transformation. Government and community leaders must ensure women are visibly engaged and entrusted with leadership roles that will make a difference,” she added.
Similarly, the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAFRICA), Mrs Rollens Macfoy, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration in maritime education and employment.
She noted that Ethiopia’s maritime training institute had trained over 6,000 indigenous professionals who were now gainfully employed locally and abroad, urging the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to intensify efforts in securing jobs for Nigerian-trained cadets.
“It is disheartening that Ghana is currently employing many of Nigeria’s trained cadets. We must address this challenge,” Macfoy said.
She also called for increased grassroots mobilisation to sensitise coastal communities about the numerous opportunities available in the Marine and Blue Economy Sector.
Former Port Manager, Nigeria Ports Authority, Mrs Funmi Olotu, the Vice President Africa Ship Owners Association, Mrs FunminOlotu Folorunsho, appreciating Olowogbowo fanty troupe during the 3rd edition of the Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub, themed “The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in Community Engagement and Inclusivity,” held in Lagos on Tuesday.
