The Blue Lagos Initiative has extended its humanitarian intervention to riverine communities across Epe Division, with support focused on healthcare, water, education, safety and livelihoods.
Epe Insights reports that the latest intervention took place with the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole in Yegunda and the distribution of various materials and equipment to residents.
The intervention was designed to ensure that residents of riverine communities are included in Lagos State’s development efforts and have improved access to essential services.
Communities that benefited from the programme included Yegunda, Saga, Ito Osun, Take Nla and Emina.
The initiative brought together government agencies, organisations and individuals who contributed different forms of support to the communities.
One of the major highlights was the commissioning of the solar-powered borehole in Yegunda.
The facility is expected to improve access to potable water for residents and support efforts to address water-related challenges in the community.
Water access remains an important need in many riverine communities, where geographical conditions can make the provision of basic infrastructure more challenging.
The intervention also focused on water safety, with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) donating 200 life jackets.
The life jackets are expected to support residents and members of fishing communities who rely on waterways for transportation and economic activities.
The provision of safety equipment forms part of efforts to promote safer movement on Lagos waterways and protect residents whose livelihoods are connected to fishing and other water-based activities.
The Humanitarian Committee of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by Mrs. Bisola Olusanya, also provided 200 food palliatives for residents.
The support was aimed at assisting beneficiaries and providing immediate relief to families within the participating communities.
Education was another major area of intervention.
Blue Lagos Initiative donated 200 notebooks to support students, while the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement provided an additional 200 notebooks.
The same office also contributed 100 mosquito nets as part of the support provided to residents.
The intervention further addressed the needs of women involved in fish processing.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finih, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, donated three dehydrators for women engaged in fish processing across three fishing communities.
The equipment is expected to support fish-processing activities and provide beneficiaries with improved tools for their livelihood.
The inclusion of livelihood support in the intervention highlights the importance of strengthening economic activities within riverine communities.
Fishing and fish processing remain important sources of income for many residents across communities in the Epe Division.
Beyond the distribution of materials and equipment, the Blue Lagos team also conducted civic sensitisation activities.
Residents were educated on their civic responsibilities and assisted with registration on the Citizens Gate platform.
The sensitisation was aimed at improving residents’ awareness and participation in government processes and civic activities.
Healthcare access also formed part of the intervention.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) team sensitised residents on available healthcare and social protection programmes.
Residents were also assisted with onboarding onto the Ilera Eko and EkoSHA programmes.
The programmes are designed to support access to healthcare services and social protection for eligible residents.
The intervention therefore combined humanitarian support with public awareness, healthcare sensitisation, water access, education and livelihood assistance.
Members of the Blue Lagos team expressed appreciation to the partners and individuals who supported the programme.
Particular recognition was given to the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.
The Blue Lagos team described him as a major pillar of the initiative and acknowledged his contribution to its activities.
The intervention reflects a multi-sector approach to supporting riverine communities across Epe Division.
By combining infrastructure, safety equipment, educational materials, healthcare information and livelihood support, the programme addressed several areas of community needs.
The distribution of life jackets also reinforces the importance of water safety among communities that depend heavily on waterways.
Similarly, the installation of the solar-powered borehole provides a practical intervention in an area where access to potable water remains essential to residents’ daily lives.
For women involved in fish processing, the provision of dehydrators could also support more efficient processing and contribute to their economic activities.
The continued involvement of government agencies and community-focused organisations can help strengthen interventions targeted at riverine residents.
The Blue Lagos Initiative has, through the latest programme, brought attention to the need for inclusive development that considers the unique circumstances of communities located along Lagos waterways.
The intervention across Yegunda, Saga, Ito Osun, Take Nla and Emina also demonstrates the importance of partnerships in delivering community-based support.
As efforts to improve conditions in Lagos’ riverine areas continue, initiatives combining social support with infrastructure, healthcare, safety and livelihood development remain relevant to residents.
The latest Blue Lagos intervention has consequently provided support across several areas while reinforcing the call for greater attention to the needs of riverine communities in Epe Division
