By Ebunoluwa Sessou

As part of efforts to promote gender inclusion in Nigeria’s blue economy, the Center for Gender Economics in Africa, CGE Africa, hosted a two-day Joint Summit and Onboarding Workshop as part of its Future Women Leaders in Fisheries Fellowship, FUWOLIFF.

The initiative was aimed at supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students in Fisheries and Aquaculture to enhance women’s participation and leadership in the sector. Held from March 12 to 13, 2026, the workshop brought together newly selected undergraduate fellows along with postgraduate fellows from the 2025 cohort, representing universities nationwide.

The event is part of CGE Africa’s broader project, “Fostering Women’s Leadership in Fisheries and Aquaculture for Climate Change Resilience in Nigeria.”

The summit included orientation sessions, leadership training, and interactive activities, all designed to introduce participants to opportunities in the sector and equip them with the skills needed to succeed as future leaders.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of CGE Africa, Uchenna Idoko, highlighted the increasing importance of the blue economy and the unique opportunity available to the fellows.

She encouraged both returning and new participants to take the program seriously, noting that they are part of a generation of future experts who will play vital roles in promoting ocean sustainability. She urged them to fully engage, learn from sector specialists, and make the most of the chance to build their skills.

“Through carefully planned sessions, CGE Africa positioned fisheries and aquaculture as not just viable but essential components of Nigeria’s development landscape. Leadership development remained a focus, with sessions aimed at building confidence, setting clear goals, and navigating professional environments where women are often underrepresented. Fellows were encouraged to take ownership of their growth and begin to see themselves as leaders shaping the future of the blue economy.

“The FUWOLIFF program was designed to equip young women with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The initiative promotes gender inclusion at its core while enhancing Nigeria’s response to climate challenges by building a more diverse and empowered workforce.

“To maintain engagement beyond the workshop, CGE Africa established a structured mentorship program connecting undergraduate fellows with postgraduate fellows within their institutions. This method, supported by a content-based learning guide, aims to promote ongoing knowledge sharing, peer learning, and leadership growth.

“As the new cohort begins its journey, the message from the summit is clear: the future of fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria will rely not only on innovation and sustainability but also on the leadership of women ready to rise and create a lasting impact”, she said.

A key highlight of the workshop was the experience-sharing session led by postgraduate fellows, who reflected on how the fellowship influenced their academic and leadership paths. They discussed increased confidence, deeper involvement in research and advocacy, and meaningful engagement in community-based initiatives.