WIMA Nigeria Marks World Oceans Day with Tarkwa Bay Cleanup, Pushes Ocean Sustainability Agenda

In a demonstration of its commitment to ocean sustainability and environmental stewardship, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria) marked the 2026 World Oceans Day with a hands-on coastal cleanup exercise at Tarkwa Bay, Lagos, reinforcing the message that protecting the oceans requires action, not just awareness.

The event brought together maritime professionals, environmental advocates, industry stakeholders, WIMA Nigeria ambassadors, community members, and private sector partners who joined forces to clean the shoreline and promote responsible environmental practices in line with this year’s World Oceans Day theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us.”

Leading the initiative, President of WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, described the oceans as the lifeblood of the planet and emphasised the need for collective action to preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.

Speaking during the event, she noted that oceans regulate the climate, sustain biodiversity, facilitate global trade, and provide livelihoods for millions of people around the world.

“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 reiterated WIMA Nigeria’s commitment to ocean conservation, women empowerment, and the sustainable development of Africa’s blue economy, while calling on governments, industry leaders, coastal communities, and individuals to intensify efforts to combat marine pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and encourage responsible maritime practices.

The event also attracted notable maritime leaders, including WIMA Nigeria Ambassadors, Chief Mrs. Carol Ufere and Barrister Gloria Kanabe, who commended the association for moving beyond ceremonial observances to practical environmental action.

Chief Ufere praised the WIMA Nigeria leadership for demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability. Reflecting on her previous visit to Tarkwa Bay over two decades ago, she expressed concern over the area’s underutilised tourism potential, while advocating greater public-private sector collaboration to develop the coastal destination.

She noted that despite infrastructural limitations, the shoreline and surrounding waters remained remarkably clean, making the cleanup exercise more effective.

“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.

Also speaking, Barrister Gloria Kanabe described the exercise as both symbolic and necessary, stressing that no nation can thrive without protecting its water resources.

Recalling childhood visits to Tarkwa Bay, she called for stronger government attention and private-sector participation in developing the area, particularly within the framework of Nigeria’s emerging blue economy agenda.

She applauded WIMA Nigeria for using the occasion to promote sustainable ocean governance and environmental responsibility.

“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 the choice of Tarkwa Bay for the cleanup exercise was deliberate, given its significance as a coastal community and its visibility as a recreational destination.

According to her, the campaign was designed not only to clean the environment but also to educate the public about the direct connection 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.

She commended members of the community and volunteers who participated in the exercise, noting that collective action remains one of the most effective tools for environmental preservation.

Adding private sector perspective to the conversation, Liav Zilberman, General Manager of LTT Coastal & Marine Services Ltd, expressed appreciation for being part of the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of corporate environmental responsibility.

He praised WIMA Nigeria for championing ocean sustainability and encouraged individuals to make environmental cleanliness a daily habit rather than an annual obligation.

“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 cleanup exercise culminated in the presentation of a World Ocean Champion Recognition to Zilberman in appreciation of his support for environmental sustainability and ocean conservation efforts.

For WIMA Nigeria, the celebration served as a clear reminder that the future of the blue economy depends on healthy oceans, responsible stewardship, and sustained collaboration among governments, businesses, communities, and civil society.

As participants departed the shores of Tarkwa Bay, the message was unmistakable: protecting the oceans is no longer a choice—it is a collective responsibility essential for sustaining life, livelihoods, and the future of the maritime industry.