Foluke Omotayo Areola

Foluke Omotayo Areola is a PhD student in the Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria. Her research is focused mainly on the ‘Comparative Analysis of Fisheries Governance in the Gulf of Guinea with focus on Small-Scale Fisheries in specific countries. Her supervisors are Prof. Shehu Akintola, the Head of the Department, and. Dr. Kafayat Fakoya. She is a seasoned fishery professional, consultant, administrator and facilitator, is the first Federal Director of Fisheries Quarantine in Nigeria, as well as first female Acting Federal Director of Fisheries & Aquaculture and Fisheries of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Nigeria. She is also a distinguished Fellow of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) and the First Female National President. She is also the Patron and Member of the Governing Council of the Association of Ornamental Live Fish Farmers and Exporters of Nigeria. (AOFFEN) Nigeria, Advisory Board Member and Director of Aquatic hub Afrique Network, and Board of Trustee of the National Fish Association of Nigeria (NFAN).
Foluke has varied and wide experiences in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Quality Control, Quarantine, Value Chain Development, Policy, Governance, Trade Facilitation, Certification, Gender, Climate change. She has for the past 40years provided technical guidance in fisheries, research and development, strengthened institutional and partnership capacities across the fishery and support sectors. She has participated in high level national, regional and continental initiatives , including as a facilitator of the Agriculture and Food Security of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, a member of the pioneer steering committee of the NEPAD/ International Partnership for African Fisheries – PAF (2009 -2014) and Secretary, Board of the Interpol Fisheries Crime Working Group. (2013-2015). Her experiences have sharpened her skills in administration. facilitation, advocacy, coordination and supervision.
Foluke is passionate about local and global economic development and growth. She is a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum), Too Big to Ignore (TBTI), World Aquaculture Society(WAS) (African and American Chapters), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AwFishnet) -Nigeria Chapter, member Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries Section(GAFS) of the Asian Fisheries, and a member of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) amongst others. Sheis innovative and energetic individual committed and willing to serve in any capacity that promotes human and economic development. She mentors, trains and coaches the youth and women in fisheries, aquaculture and socio-behaviors.