Business
Enatta Foundation Honours Stakeholders, Strengthens Support for Lagos Fisherwomen
The Enatta Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in Lagos’ fishing communities, saying access to administrative support, finance and equipment can be as important as direct funding in improving livelihoods.
The foundation made the announcement during a Stakeholder Appreciation Dinner held in Ikeja, Lagos, where it also formally unveiled aquaculture expert Dr. Foluke Areola as its patron.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, community leaders and supporters to celebrate the foundation’s achievements while outlining plans to expand its programmes across more riverine communities in Lagos State.
Why it matters
Fishing remains a major source of food and income for thousands of families across Nigeria’s coastal communities.
However, many women working in the sector continue to face limited access to finance, inadequate equipment, post-harvest losses and difficulties navigating government programmes because of low literacy levels and administrative barriers.
Enatta Foundation says addressing those challenges could significantly improve household incomes, food security and local economic development.
How a snail export business became a community development mission
Delivering the welcome address, Enatta Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adijat Okuyelu recounted how what began as a commercial snail export venture unexpectedly evolved into a social impact initiative.
She explained that while exploring opportunities to export processed snails and later periwinkles, she encountered officials from the Ministry of Agriculture who introduced her to the realities facing Lagos’ fisherwomen.
“Sometimes what some of these groups need is not just money; sometimes they need administrative support because they can’t really compete due to bureaucracy and limited education.”
Mrs. Okuyelu said the discovery changed the direction of her work.
Initially, the foundation donated two fishing boats to pilot communities before helping women register cooperatives, enabling them to qualify for government intervention programmes.
According to her, one cooperative later benefited from the Federal Government’s FADAMA programme after becoming formally registered.
She said Enatta Foundation has since expanded its interventions to include:
Registration of fishing cooperatives.
Provision of boats and fishing nets.
Distribution of freezers and cooling boxes to reduce post-harvest losses.
Financial literacy training through its Money Matta programme.
Building partnerships with financial institutions to improve access to affordable credit.
Mrs. Okuyelu also highlighted the demanding nature of the women’s work, noting that many leave home late at night and fish until dawn while still caring for their families.
“They are an incredible set of women. When you understand their lifestyle, you realise they are the commerce engines of their communities.”
New patron pledges support
Accepting her appointment as Patron of Enatta Foundation, Dr. Foluke Areola described the organisation’s work as both timely and inspiring.
She said sustainable development goes beyond income generation.
“It is about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, strengthening communities and enabling people to shape their own future.”
Dr. Areola added that empowering women has wider social and economic benefits.
“When women are empowered economically, entire households and communities benefit. When fishing communities thrive, food security, social stability and local economies are strengthened.”
She pledged to help strengthen partnerships, promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, advocate opportunities for women and youth, and connect the foundation with national and international institutions.
“I look forward to serving alongside you in advancing the mission of Enata Foundation.”
Government official recounts how the partnership began
Mrs. Bamitale Oyediji, who works with the Ministry of Agriculture, said her first interaction with Mrs. Okuyelu centred on plans to export periwinkles.
However, she said everything changed after the entrepreneur saw videos of fisherwomen using damaged boats and manually removing water to prevent them from sinking.
According to her, Mrs. Okuyelu immediately shifted focus from exports to supporting the women.
“She saw the need and decided to help. She bought two boats for the women, and that became the beginning of something much bigger.”
Mrs. Bamitale praised the foundation’s interventions and expressed hope that the initiative would continue expanding into more riverine communities across Lagos State.
Industry perspective
Development experts say strengthening women-led fishing enterprises can improve household incomes while boosting food production.
Access to cooperative structures, financial education and modern preservation facilities can also reduce post-harvest losses, increase market access and improve resilience among small-scale fishing communities.
The approach aligns with broader efforts to improve financial inclusion and support sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria’s blue economy.
What happens next?
Enatta Foundation says it plans to deepen partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies and development organisations while expanding support to more fishing communities across Lagos State.
The appointment of Dr. Areola as patron is also expected to strengthen the foundation’s technical expertise in fisheries, aquaculture and community development.
Union Bank of Nigeria has received an award for its gender inclusion efforts at the 2026 Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA).
The bank was named Most Outstanding Bank in Gender Inclusion at the event, held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The recognition highlights the bank’s stated efforts to promote gender diversity in the workplace and expand opportunities for women through financial services, mentorship, capacity building and professional networks.
Why the award matters
Gender inclusion has become an important issue for businesses seeking to widen access to leadership opportunities, finance and professional development for women.
Union Bank said its approach includes supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals through tailored financial products, capacity-building initiatives, mentorship and networking opportunities.
The award therefore places the bank’s gender-focused initiatives in the spotlight at a time when women’s participation in business and professional sectors remains an important part of conversations about inclusive economic growth.
Union Bank brand chief also honoured
The bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, was also recognised at WIMCA 2026.
Aluko was named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications, alongside other professionals in the industry.
Reacting to the recognitions, she said the awards were a validation of Union Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion.
“Union Bank’s recognition at WIMCA 2026 is a strong validation of our sustained commitment to advancing gender inclusion as a driver of institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth,” she said.
“We are proud to champion platforms and initiatives that empower women to lead with confidence, build meaningful careers, and contribute significantly to the evolution of the marketing and communications industry.”
WIMCA 2026 brings industry leaders together
The 2026 edition of WIMCA was held under the theme “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction.”
The conference brought together female marketing and communications professionals from across Africa to discuss leadership, resilience, industry trends and women’s advancement within the branding, marketing and communications sector.
The event was established by Nigerian brand and marketing publication Brand Communicator as a platform for recognising female leadership and promoting women’s participation in marketing and communications.
Also Read: IGP Disu Inspects 23 Police Barracks, Pledges Welfare Action
What Union Bank says comes next
Union Bank said it would continue to support platforms and initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and participation in the marketing and communications industry.
The bank also said it remained focused on creating opportunities for women across its workforce, customer base and wider society.
The WIMCA recognition adds to the bank’s public positioning around gender inclusion, while the recognition of its brand chief highlights the role of women in leadership within Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.
About Union Bank
Established in 1917, Union Bank of Nigeria provides financial services to individual and corporate customers across the country.
The bank says it operates more than 300 branches and provides services including savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, trade finance, digital banking, debit cards, ATMs and point-of-sale services.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has received the prestigious Times Heroes Award for his contributions to public service and national development.
The award was presented to Adeniyi on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during celebrations marking the centenary of the Daily Times newspaper.
The event brought together prominent figures from government, business and traditional institutions to recognise individuals and organisations considered to have contributed to Nigeria’s development.
Also Read: Nigeria Customs Confirms DCG, Five ACG Appointments as Revenue Hits ₦4.3tn
Adeniyi dedicates award to Customs officers
Adeniyi described the recognition as an encouragement to do more in public service.
“It’s very good when you do something, and you are recognised; this should be an inspiration to us to do much better,” he said.
He dedicated the award to officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifices in carrying out the agency’s responsibilities.
The Customs chief also credited the collective efforts of the Service and praised compliant members of the public for helping to raise standards in public service.
Focus on revenue and trade
The Nigeria Customs Service plays a major role in collecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing customs laws at Nigeria’s borders and ports.
Adeniyi said the Service under his leadership remained focused on increasing revenue generation while improving trade facilitation.
He also highlighted the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade among African countries and create a larger single market for goods and services across the continent.
According to the Customs chief, greater compliance by businesses and members of the public would help the Service deliver its mandate more effectively.
Why the award matters
Recognition of senior public officials can draw attention to the wider responsibilities of institutions such as the Customs Service, particularly their role in revenue collection and facilitating legitimate commerce.
For businesses involved in imports and exports, efficient customs processes can affect the cost, speed and predictability of moving goods across Nigeria’s borders.
The implementation of AfCFTA also places greater importance on trade facilitation as African countries seek to expand intra-African commerce.
What’s next for the Customs Service?
The award comes as the Nigeria Customs Service continues to focus on revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation and the implementation of AfCFTA-related measures.
Adeniyi’s comments suggest that cooperation between the Service, businesses and compliant members of the public will remain important as Customs works to improve the efficiency of its operations.
Rite Foods Limited has joined Muslim faithful in Nigeria to mark Eid-el-Maulud, the annual celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The company said the occasion should encourage Nigerians to reflect on values including peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and love.
Eid-el-Maulud is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world, although practices and the decision to mark the occasion vary among Muslim communities and countries.
In Nigeria, the celebration is also an opportunity for public and religious leaders to call for peace and social cohesion in a country facing economic pressures, insecurity and political divisions.
Rite Foods’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, urged Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad during the celebration.
“As a company that shares in the joy of our consumers, we stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they mark this important moment in their faith,” Adegunwa said. “We hope this season brings renewed unity and progress for all Nigerians.”
He also urged believers to pray for the country’s growth and to live in harmony with others.
What the company is saying
Ekuma Eze, Rite Foods’ Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said the company wanted to celebrate significant moments with its consumers.
“Speaking on the occasion, Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, urged Muslims to show exemplary conduct and live in harmony as they reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He also urged believers to pray for the country’s growth in all spheres as they celebrate.”
Also Read: Rite Foods Named Among Nigeria’s Top 50 Companies of Impact 2026
Why Eid-el-Maulud matters
Eid-el-Maulud commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is marked through religious gatherings, prayers, sermons and other activities, depending on local traditions.
The celebration has historically provided Muslim communities with an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and values.
In Nigeria, the period can also have wider social and economic effects as families travel, attend religious gatherings and spend on food, transport and other goods.
For businesses in the consumer-goods sector, religious and cultural festivals can therefore form an important part of the annual trading calendar.
What happens next
Rite Foods said it would continue to mark important cultural and religious occasions with its consumers.
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