The Oniru of Iru community in Lagos State, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, has pledged support for the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria.
The traditional ruler expressed delight while receiving delegates from WISTA Nigeria.
The delegation, led by WISTA Nigeria President Dr. Odunayo Ani, visited the palace on Friday.
Oba Lawal promised to attend the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference scheduled for Lagos in June 2026.
He said his decision reflected Iru’s historic connection with waterways and maritime activities.
“My ancestors lived and thrived on water, and about 80 percent of our traditional business remains connected to waterways,” he said.
The traditional ruler emphasized that Iru would continue supporting maritime development and the blue economy.
He described the conference as an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its maritime achievements.
The Oba recalled his ancestors’ contributions during the colonial era toward Lagos’s maritime growth and identified Eyin-Igbeti as a historic location where waterborne shipment of goods began.
He praised the Lagos State Government for supporting maritime initiatives.
“The duty of the Oniru is to ensure the ocean and lagoon remain peaceful spiritually. Whatever happens on the waterfront, we receive our royalty. That is why we champion waterfront issues,” he said.
Oba Lawal noted that Bar Beach was once a major center for trade, commerce, transport, and tourism, and that the waterfront remains central to Iru’s identity and economy.
He assured WISTA Nigeria of his support during the regional conference, saying, “I will facilitate participation from local and foreign businesspeople and encourage more royal fathers to attend.”
He added that his kingdom established the Oniru Business and Cultural Day in 2025 and created the Iru Business Network to strengthen community business opportunities.
The Oba disclosed that the palace had engaged hospitality operators and the Indian business community, which maintains strong relations with Nigeria and would be hosted soon.
He pledged to involve WISTA Nigeria in future business forums within Iru, aiming to expose youths to maritime operations and global shipping opportunities.
Oba Lawal urged WISTA executives to collaborate on Blue Economy development, noting limited youth participation due to inadequate access to opportunities.
He also revealed he had sent a proposal to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calling for the establishment of a Lagos Coastal Community Development Commission, citing nine local governments bordering water that do not feel the community impact—areas including Badagry, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Lekki, and Epe, which host major facilities like ports, refineries, and free trade zones.
“We have Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Port, and Tin-Can Island Port. Yet, we do not feel the impact. We are doing much to reduce community agitation,” he said.
Earlier, Ani explained that the delegation visited to brief the traditional ruler about the upcoming conference, scheduled for June 25-26, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites.
Ani described WISTA as a global organization empowering women in maritime, shipping, and trade, with operations in over 60 countries.
The conference theme is: “From Policy to Implementation: Women Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy.”
Ani said the event would attract policymakers, investors, maritime leaders, and professionals, allowing delegates to experience Lagos and Iru Kingdom’s maritime heritage.
The delegation sought the traditional ruler’s endorsement, goodwill message, blessings, and attendance.
WISTA Nigeria officials and other maritime stakeholders attended the courtesy visit.
