The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has entered into a strategic partnership with the Apollo Africa Leadership Foundation to promote leadership development, youth empowerment, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives across Lagos State.
The partnership was formalised during a meeting at LASWA headquarters, where officials of both organisations explored areas of collaboration aimed at supporting human capital development and advancing the state’s blue economy agenda.
Speaking during the engagement, LASWA General Manager and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said partnerships remain critical to driving innovation, sustainable development, and youth participation in emerging sectors of the economy.
According to him, the growth of the blue economy requires visionary leadership, active community involvement, and strategic collaborations capable of creating long-term value.
“The growth of the blue economy requires visionary leadership, community participation, and strategic partnerships. We are pleased to collaborate with Apollo Africa Leadership Foundation in promoting leadership excellence, capacity development, and initiatives that will positively impact waterfront communities and stakeholders within the waterways sector,” Emmanuel said.
Under the partnership, both organisations are expected to implement leadership training programmes, youth development initiatives, community outreach projects, environmental sustainability campaigns, and knowledge-sharing engagements aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles and opportunities within the blue economy.
Director of Apollo Africa Leadership Foundation, Ayo Akindele, described leadership as one of Africa’s most valuable resources, stressing the need for collaboration between public and private institutions to nurture future leaders.
“Leadership is one of Africa’s most valuable resources, and building future leaders requires collaboration across both public and private sectors. Our partnership with LASWA presents an opportunity to empower young people with the skills, exposure, and mindset needed to drive sustainable development and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state, country, and continent,” Akindele said.
The collaboration aligns with the vision of the Lagos State Government to leverage the blue economy as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, environmental sustainability, and improved living standards.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to developing impactful programmes that will empower young people, strengthen leadership capacity, promote safety, and support sustainable development in waterfront communities across Lagos.
LASWA is responsible for regulating, developing, and promoting safe and efficient water transportation across Lagos, while Apollo Africa Leadership Foundation focuses on tackling poverty, hunger, and illiteracy through leadership development and youth empowerment initiatives across African communities.
