Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria) commemorated World Oceans Day 2026 with a large-scale coastal cleanup exercise at Tarkwa Bay, Lagos, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.
The initiative brought together maritime professionals, environmental advocates, community members, and private-sector stakeholders to promote responsible environmental practices and raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
The cleanup exercise, held in line with the 2026 World Oceans Day theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” attracted maritime professionals, environmental advocates, industry stakeholders, WIMA Nigeria ambassadors, community members, and private-sector partners who joined efforts to clear waste from the shoreline and advocate responsible environmental practices.
Speaking at the event, President of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, described the oceans as vital to the survival of humanity and emphasized the need for collective action to protect marine resources.
According to her, oceans play a critical role in regulating the global climate, sustaining biodiversity, facilitating international trade, and providing livelihoods for millions of people worldwide.
“Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. They regulate our climate, provide food and livelihoods for millions, facilitate global trade, and sustain an extraordinary diversity of life. As we celebrate this year’s theme, we are reminded of the immense value of our oceans and our collective responsibility to protect and preserve them,” she said.
Mrs. Nwaeze reaffirmed WIMA Nigeria’s dedication to ocean conservation, women’s empowerment, and the sustainable development of Africa’s blue economy. She called on governments, industry leaders, coastal communities, and individuals to strengthen efforts aimed at combating marine pollution, protecting biodiversity, and promoting responsible maritime activities.
The event also featured prominent WIMA Nigeria ambassadors, including Chief Mrs. Carol Ufere and Barrister Gloria Kanabe, who commended the association for translating environmental advocacy into practical action.
Chief Ufere praised the leadership of WIMA Nigeria for championing environmental sustainability and noted the significance of preserving Nigeria’s coastal resources. Reflecting on her previous visit to Tarkwa Bay more than two decades ago, she highlighted the area’s untapped tourism potential and called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock its economic value.
She observed that despite infrastructural challenges, the coastal environment remained relatively clean, which contributed to the success of the cleanup exercise.
“The oceans are life. We must continue to ensure that our waters remain clean, marine life is protected, and waste is properly managed so it does not find its way back into the sea.
World Oceans Day is a global celebration, and with the growing focus on the blue economy, it is important that we align ourselves with initiatives that protect our marine environment,” she said.
Barrister Gloria Kanabe described the exercise as both symbolic and necessary, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without protecting water resources.
Recalling her childhood experiences at Tarkwa Bay, she advocated greater government attention and increased private-sector investment in the area as part of Nigeria’s emerging blue economy strategy.
“We cannot do without the ocean. Water is central to life, whether in coastal communities or inland regions. Today is a reminder that safeguarding our oceans is a responsibility we all share. Together, we must promote cleaner waters and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” she stated.
Vice President of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Temilade Ogunniyi, explained that Tarkwa Bay was selected for the exercise because of its significance as a coastal community and popular recreational destination.
She said the campaign was designed not only to improve environmental cleanliness but also to educate the public about the direct link between ocean health and human well-being.
“The water that surrounds us affects all of us. Whether in Lagos, Bayelsa, or any other part of Nigeria, these water systems are interconnected. Even the water we consume is influenced by the health of our marine environment. That is why it is important for everyone to take responsibility for keeping our waters clean,” she said.
Ogunniyi commended volunteers and community members who participated in the exercise, noting that collective action remains one of the most effective tools for environmental preservation.
Providing a private-sector perspective, the General Manager of LTT Coastal & Marine Services Ltd, Mr. Liav Zilberman, applauded WIMA Nigeria for championing ocean sustainability and environmental responsibility.
He urged individuals and organizations to make environmental cleanliness a continuous practice rather than a once-a-year activity.
“I am honoured to be part of this effort to make Tarkwa Bay cleaner and safer. As a maritime company, environmental protection is important to us. My advice is simple: let us keep our environment clean every day, not only on World Oceans Day,” he said.
The event concluded with the presentation of a World Ocean Champion Recognition Award to Zilberman in appreciation of his support for environmental sustainability and ocean conservation initiatives.
