By Ebuwa Choice
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) joined fishermen, fisherwomen and residents of Ekenhuan Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State to commemorate the 2026 World Oceans Day (WOD) with a call for the protection and sustainable management of oceans and aquatic resources.
World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, highlights the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. The day serves as a reminder that oceans are the lungs of the planet, a major source of food and medicine, and a critical part of the global ecosystem.
The event, held at the Ekenhuan Community Town Hall, brought together community members, environmental advocates and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing fishing communities and the need to preserve marine resources.
Dignitaries present included the Executive Director of Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO), Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright, Project Lead for Fossil Politics at HOMEF and Coordinator of the FishNet Alliance Network, Stanley Egholo, Programmes Manager, Community and Culture, HOMEF, Cadmus Atake-Enade, Chairman of Ekenhuan Community, Timothy Sibete, among others.
Speaking during the event, Stanley Egholo said the gathering was aimed at educating fishermen and fisherwomen on the importance of preserving oceans and fish stocks while also identifying the challenges affecting their livelihoods.
He cautioned against the use of harmful chemicals such as Gammalin 20, carbide and dynamite for fishing, as well as the harvesting of immature fish.
According to him, the use of such substances not only destroys aquatic ecosystems but also poses serious health risks to consumers.
Egholo further highlighted the effects of environmental degradation and climate change on fishing communities, stressing that the chemicals used in fishing could contaminate seafood and lead to severe health complications.
In his remarks, HOMEF’s Programmes Manager, Community and Culture, Cadmus Atake-Enede, explained that the organisation chose Ekenhuan Community because of its vulnerability to the impacts of oil exploration activities in neighbouring communities.
“Ekenhuan may not be an oil-producing community, but due to its proximity to communities such as Gelegele and Ughoton, it has suffered the consequences of oil spills and leakages, which have significantly affected the livelihoods of fisherfolk,” he said.
Cadmus noted that Ekenhuan has historically been known for its fishing activities, attracting traders and buyers from within and outside the community.
He added that HOMEF considered the community an appropriate location to commemorate World Oceans Day because of the strong presence of fishermen and fisherwomen whose livelihoods depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Cadmus further disclosed that the organisation intends to introduce the FishNet Alliance Network to the community. He explained that the alliance brings together fishing communities from across West Africa to promote knowledge sharing, advocacy and collective action.
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“The alliance provides a platform for fisherfolk to interact, exchange ideas and amplify their voices not only locally but also across West Africa. It also creates opportunities for support that can help sustain their livelihoods,” he said.
Speaking with Newsnowng Correspondent, the Chairman of Ekenhuan Community, Timothy Sibete, expressed appreciation to HOMEF for partnering with the community.
He said the programme had broadened the knowledge of local fishermen and fisherwomen on sustainable fishing practices and reinforced the economic importance of fishing.
“If we do not take care of our oceans and rivers, it will have serious consequences for us. We are grateful to HOMEF and appeal to them to continue supporting our community through programmes like this,” he said.
Also speaking, a fisherman, Garden Obon, lamented the impact of diesel pollution and oil spills on the Ekenhuan River. He called on government authorities to empower fishing communities by providing essential equipment such as boats, fishing nets and other tools needed to improve their operations.
Obon also appealed to HOMEF to sustain its engagement with the community through continuous sensitisation programmes on environmental protection and fish preservation.
Similarly, Regina Awowo from Gelegele Community described the training as enlightening and beneficial.
She attributed the decline in fish populations in the river to crude oil pollution and appealed to the government for support.
“We need fishing nets, hooks, engines and boats to improve our work and support our families. Government assistance will help us take better care of our children,” she said.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to promote sustainable fishing practices, protect marine ecosystems and strengthen community advocacy against environmental pollution.
