Ocean Ambassadors Foundation
The Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), founded and convened by Mrs. Violet Claitan Williams, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interest in maritime affairs, training the next generation of maritime practitioners, and actively advocating for sustainable blue economy policies across Nigeria and West Africa.
Through strategic discourse hubs like Ehingbeti, OAF bridges the gap between state policies, traditional leadership councils of the Oba of Lagos, and the active participation of local, coastal, and riverine communities to create inclusive opportunities.
Community Engagement
Integrating local riverine and coastal communities into governance structures.
Waterways Expansion
Advocating for dredging, navigational aids, and multi-modal transport lines.
Skills & Innovation
Establishing specialized training clusters for women and youths.
Unified Regulatory Body
Harmonizing the operations of NIMASA, NIWA, NPA, and state authorities.
Communiqué of the 3rd Ehingbeti Hub
Theme: “The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in Community Engagement and Inclusivity”. Issued at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Monday, 28th October 2025.
Prominent Conveners, Speakers & Royal Fathers
Mrs. Violet Claitan Williams
Convener & Founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation
Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd)
Former Minister of Communications
Barr. Jean Anishere (SAN)
Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor & Partners
Oba Olufolarin Olukayode
Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe
Engr. Sarat Braimah
Lagos Area Manager, NIWA
Capt. Sunday Umoren
Secretary General, Abuja MoU
Prof. Adele Jinadu
Renowned Academic
Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu
Mother of the Chief Justice of Nigeria
Preamble Description
The 3rd Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub convened key maritime players, policymakers, historians, and council chiefs of the Oba of Lagos to reawaken the legacy of Ehingbeti as a trading and maritime hub. Led by Mrs. Violet Claitan Williams and chaired by Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), the forum addressed reconnection of maritime policy with coastal indigenous communities and youth/women inclusion.
Revitalize Ehingbeti as a Maritime Innovation Cluster
Ehingbeti should be redeveloped into a model maritime innovation hub linking heritage preservation, education, and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure Expansion
The Federal Government, through NIWA and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, should prioritize continuous dredging, navigational aids, and port rehabilitation to enhance inland transport efficiency.
Inclusive Policy Framework
All blue economy policies should incorporate structured participation of local communities, traditional institutions, and youth-led organizations.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Government should strengthen PPP frameworks to attract private investment into shipbuilding, marine logistics, fisheries, and eco-tourism.
Marine Education and Skills Development
Establish dedicated Maritime Skill and Innovation Centres in Lagos and coastal states to train youths and women in marine trades, navigation, and digital blue economy applications.
Environmental Management
Implement strict enforcement of environmental standards, pollution control measures, and restoration projects to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Integrated Governance
Develop a National Blue Economy Coordination Council to harmonize the roles of NIMASA, NIWA, NPA, and state agencies.
Data, Research, and Technology
Encourage academic and industry collaboration for continuous research, ocean mapping, and data-driven decision-making.
Awareness and Advocacy
Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns to demystify the blue economy and promote its social and economic value among youth, investors, and policymakers.
Regional and International Collaboration
Strengthen Nigeria's participation in regional and global maritime initiatives to align standards, share knowledge, and attract sustainable financing.
Hub Conclusion
The 3rd Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub reaffirmed that the path to a thriving maritime nation lies in inclusive governance, community participation, and sustainable innovation. Participants urged the Federal Government, Lagos State, and private stakeholders to act decisively in implementing these recommendations to transform the blue economy into a driver of national prosperity, environmental resilience, and social inclusion.
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