By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has pledged to consider concerns raised by women leaders in riverine communities as part of efforts to promote inclusion and sustainable development in the state’s Blue Economy.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, gave the assurance at the inaugural Riverine Women Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, organised by the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative at Ijegun Egba Ferry Terminal, Satellite Town, Oriade LCDA, Lagos.
The dialogue, held on Friday, was themed “Women’s Participation, Leadership and Inclusion in the Blue Economy” and brought together women leaders from riverine communities across Lagos State to discuss challenges affecting their livelihoods and community development.
Emmanuel said concerns and recommendations presented by participants would be documented and forwarded to relevant government agencies for consideration and action.
He added that issues requiring urgent attention would be prioritised, while other matters would be referred to the appropriate institutions for follow-up.
The engagement provided a platform for women leaders to communicate directly with the government representative on issues affecting their communities, where waterways play key roles in transportation, trade and other economic activities.
The Woman Leader of Blue Lagos, Olori Ololade Asani, said the dialogue was organised to give women leaders direct access to the Special Adviser and enable them to present their concerns without intermediaries.
She stressed the need for women to participate meaningfully in governance discussions and decisions concerning their welfare, economic opportunities and community development.
The Team Lead of Blue Lagos, Saheed Adesanya, said the initiative had been implementing interventions in healthcare, access to essential services, livelihood support, water infrastructure, safety and community engagement.
Adesanya disclosed that additional programmes were being planned to reach more underserved riverine communities through continued collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser.
He reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to its guiding principle, “No Community Is Left Behind,” saying its interventions were focused on practical solutions and sustainable development.
As part of the programme, the organisers distributed foodstuffs, life jackets, branded T-shirts, caps, solar torchlights and stipends to participating women leaders.
The distribution of life jackets also highlighted the importance of water safety in communities where residents depend on waterways to access workplaces, markets, schools and other destinations.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Olori Shittu Rashidat of Ibasa-Ijegun Egba Kingdom commended the initiative for bringing women leaders together and providing them with an opportunity to engage directly with the government.
She called for sustained engagement to ensure that concerns raised during the dialogue translate into tangible interventions in the communities.
The organisers said the dialogue was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between government officials, community leaders and development stakeholders, while positioning women as active participants in decisions shaping the state’s Blue Economy.
The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative reiterated its commitment to advancing inclusive development and improving conditions in riverine communities across Lagos State.
