Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, has achieved a historic milestone with his appointment as the first African to serve on the Board of Interferry — the global association representing the international ferry industry. His appointment, ratified at Interferry’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 6, 2025, in Sorrento, Italy, signals a major step forward for African representation in the global maritime sector.

Emmanuel’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Africa’s growing marine transport sector, as he joins an elite group of board members from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He will serve a four-year term, during which he is expected to contribute his deep expertise in marine transport development, urban ferry systems, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

In an official statement, Interferry described Emmanuel as “an experienced leader passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to connect communities and ensure environmental sustainability.” The association commended his pivotal role in shaping Lagos State’s integrated water transport system and advancing the state’s blue economy agenda, which focuses on harnessing the potential of water resources for economic growth and environmental balance.