16 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG We are proud to celebrate Foluke Areola, World Aquaculture Society President-Elect, who has been internationally recognised within Africa by the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impactful contributions to the advancement of aquaculture worldwide. This prestigious award highlights her recent election as President-Elect — a historic milestone, as she is the first African to hold this position. The recognition underscores the significance of her leadership for both the aquaculture sector and the African region. Foluke is a highly respected and influential figure in aquaculture, not only across Africa but also on the global stage. Her career spans more than four decades, during which she has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, strong advocacy, and transformative work in fisheries and aquaculture policy. Before her election as President-Elect, she served as President of the African Chapter of WAS and is the first female Past-President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that support global food security and environmental sustainability. As a renowned expert in sustainable aquaculture and marine resource management, Deaconess Areola has dedicated her professional life to advancing innovative solutions that protect aquatic ecosystems while also supporting the livelihoods of communities dependent on fisheries and fish farming. Her work has had a lasting impact on national and regional policies, helping to integrate aquaculture into broader development agendas. She has held several key positions, including Federal Director of Fisheries Quarantine in Nigeria, where she oversaw the safety and quality of fish and fisheries products entering the country. In her role within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, she played a crucial part in implementing regulations that safeguard aquatic ecosystems and public health. Her advocacy for innovation, responsible aquaculture practices, and welfare standards in aquatic environments has helped shape both national fisheries policies and international aquaculture regulations. Foluke’s leadership has been instrumental in supporting the growth and development of the aquaculture sector in Africa. She is a trailblazer for women in science and leadership, breaking significant gender and regional barriers through her global achievements. Her success serves as an inspiration to professionals across the continent and beyond, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of food production. She is also a passionate mentor and advocate for youth development. Many emerging aquaculture professionals have benefited from her guidance, knowledge, and support. Her recent initiative — the West African Aquaculture Mentorship Program — launched following the recent WAS Africa Safari conference in June 2025, demonstrates her ongoing commitment to building capacity and fostering collaboration among scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. Foluke Areola is an exceptional role model whose contributions continue to influence the future of aquaculture. We are honoured to have her in the leadership team at the World Aquaculture Society and look forward to working with her to promote aquaculture both in Africa and globally. Her vision and dedication will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of leaders in sustainable food production. Congratulations to President-Elect Foluke Areola Catriona K. Macleod President-Elect Areola with Dr. Melba Reantaso, Keynote Speaker and recipient of the Aquaculture Innovation Award, at the recent World Aquaculture Safari meeting in Uganda. Foluke Areola receiving the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction award from Dr. Marcus Abegbenro Adeniyi, CEO.
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