The Enatta Foundation has launched a support programme for displaced fisherwomen and coastal communities in Lagos as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

The initiative focused on helping women rebuild livelihoods, access financial education and improve market opportunities in the maritime economy.

Organisers said the programme brought together women from several communities including Araromi, Ajegunle, Ogudu, Ilaje Ebute, Oworonshoki, Agboyi, Ago Egun and Isale Akoka.

The event was built around the global theme “Give to Gain.”

Why it matters

Many coastal women in Lagos depend on fishing and fish processing for survival.

Recent demolitions in Oworonshoki and economic pressures have disrupted livelihoods for several families.

Support programmes like this aim to stabilise local economies and help women remain active in the fishing value chain.

Women also play a major role in seafood processing and distribution in Nigeria’s coastal communities.

Strengthening their businesses can improve household income and food supply chains.

Relief fund for displaced fisherwomen

A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of a relief fund for women whose homes were demolished in Oworonshoki.

The support was sponsored by Mrs Ola Hensworth.

Organisers said the fund would help affected women rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.

The programme also included the Fisherwoman’s Girl Child Fund, aimed at supporting education for girls in fishing communities.

The award was presented to Miss Zannu Saphine from the Ago Egun fishing community.

The recognition was announced by Mrs Adi Okuyelu (CIMA), founder of the Enatta Foundation.

According to the foundation, Zannu’s work in promoting financial literacy among local women played a key role in her selection.

She has helped several women maintain “Money Mata” record books, which are used to track savings and business income.

Organisers say empowering young women to teach financial literacy helps knowledge spread across the community.

Expanding market access for fish processors

Another part of the initiative focused on strengthening the seafood value chain.

The programme aims to help organised fisherwomen cooperatives transition from local subsistence trading to international seafood markets.

The Enatta Foundation said it is currently holding discussions with seafood companies Eja-Ice Ltd and VESA Fisheries Limited.

The talks are aimed at improving fish distribution channels and reviving trading activities at Better Life Market in Ilaje Ebute.

If successful, the collaboration could allow local fish processors to supply larger markets.

Experts say such partnerships are important for improving the profitability of small-scale fishing communities.

Tools to improve fish storage

To support daily productivity, the foundation also distributed fish storage baskets to women who attended the programme.

Organisers say the baskets will help maintain product quality during transportation and sales.

Maintaining fish quality is a key requirement for accessing international seafood markets.

The initiative, the foundation said, is designed to create a long-term system where community support leads to sustainable economic growth.

Industry and community reactions

Community members welcomed the initiative, saying financial support and market access remain major challenges for fisherwomen.

Small-scale fish processors often face difficulties with storage, distribution and export regulations.

Development experts say programmes focused on women in the fishing sector can have ripple effects on coastal economies.

They note that women often reinvest business earnings into household welfare, education and community development.

What’s next

The Enatta Foundation says it plans to continue discussions with seafood industry partners and expand its empowerment programmes in coastal communities.

Future projects may include training in seafood processing, export readiness and cooperative business development.

Organisers say the long-term goal is to ensure that women in fishing communities benefit from both local and international seafood markets.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has surpassed its 2025 revenue target, collecting N99 billion, exceeding the target of N86 billion by N13 billion.

Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, acting Controller of the Command, attributed the success to a dedicated team of officers and strengthened enforcement strategies.

“I am very confident that with the highly professional officers in our command, we will not only meet but exceed the target set for 2026,” Adewole told journalists during a recent media briefing.

Why It Matters

The Oyo/Osun Command’s performance signals a significant boost for Nigeria’s economy, as customs revenue contributes to government funding for infrastructure and public services. Increased enforcement against smuggling also safeguards local businesses from unfair competition.

Adewole highlighted the Command’s special enforcement team, operating round the clock to curb illicit trade and smuggling.

“The Command has raised a tactical and strategic enforcement special team, operating around the clock to curb illicit trade and smuggling activities,” he said.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Under Adewole’s leadership, the Command has strengthened partnerships with sister agencies and local communities, including traditional leaders, to improve security and revenue collection.

“Collaboration with local communities and traditional leaders has enhanced both security and revenue collection,” he added.

The Command has also made significant seizures of smuggled goods, dealing a blow to criminal networks operating in the region.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, Adewole acknowledged challenges, including inadequate manpower. He said the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is addressing this with plans to recruit additional personnel.

“I thank the CGC for the opportunity to serve as acting Controller and for the support given to me and my men,” Adewole said.

What’s Next for 2026

Looking forward, the Oyo/Osun Command has set a revenue target of N137 billion for 2026. With its robust strategies, community engagement, and enforcement teams, the Command is poised to maintain growth and tackle illicit trade more effectively.

Industry Reactions

Experts say the Command’s success demonstrates the importance of strategic enforcement and community collaboration in boosting customs revenue.

Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite an overnight attack that destroyed the party’s ward secretariat in his hometown.

The secretariat in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was set ablaze by suspected political thugs hours before Amaechi was due to arrive for his membership registration.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the facility late Thursday night, firing gunshots and setting the building on fire.

Residents reported that the gunmen also blocked the Omuawa–Ubima road early Friday morning, preventing vehicles carrying ADC supporters from entering the community.

Amaechi Proceeds with Registration

Despite the destruction and tense atmosphere, Amaechi still proceeded to his ward to complete the registration exercise.

Eyewitnesses said the former minister arrived in the community and walked towards the gathering point after suspected attackers fled the area.

Amaechi, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation and was previously governor of Rivers State, hails from Ubima.

His move to the ADC marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Don’t Be Violent,” Amaechi Tells Supporters

Addressing supporters who gathered to receive him, Amaechi urged them to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“Don’t be violent because violence may lead to the death of somebody — don’t be violent. At the same time, they can’t stop us from meeting in our community,” he said.

Amaechi also praised the professionalism of security operatives deployed to the area.

“We thank the commissioner of police and the director of DSS; they showed a lot of professionalism. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that from them; I thought they would be behind the criminals,” he added.

He urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

APC Chieftain Condemns Incident

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, condemned the attack and described it as an assault on democracy.

In a statement made available to journalists, Eze alleged that the attackers were loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He described the incident as “dastardly, undemocratic and cowardly”.

Eze also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

He further criticised what he described as rising political intolerance in the country.

The APC chieftain also questioned the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the federal government must ensure political stability as the country approaches the next election cycle.

Political Tensions in Rivers

Rivers State has long been a centre of intense political rivalry, particularly between Amaechi and Wike.

Both men are influential political figures with strong grassroots networks in the state.

Analysts say the burning of a party office ahead of a political event highlights growing tensions in the state’s political landscape.

Why It Matters

Amaechi’s entry into the ADC could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria.

The party has been expanding its national presence and is positioning itself as a platform for political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

His involvement may strengthen the party’s influence, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

However, the latest incident raises concerns about political violence and security during party activities.

What Happens Next

Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack on the secretariat.

ADC leaders say the party will continue its mobilisation activities in Rivers State.

Political observers believe the incident could deepen political rivalry in the region as the 2027 elections draw closer.