Tarzan Maritime boss shuns Owambe for empowerment

What would have turned Tarzan Jetty Waterfront in Badore, Lagos into a big party arena on April 30, has started to take a different form. On that day, the Chief Executive Officer Tarzan Maritime Enterprises and President Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Chief Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, would have rolled out the big drum to mark his birthday, instead he has initiated a financial support programme for traders and service providers within his host community..

The initiative, currently ongoing at Tarzan Jetty, provides direct financial assistance to individuals operating small businesses within the Badore axis.

Balogun, aka De Boatman said in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday that his birthday falls on April 30, but he chose to prioritise practical support for residents rather than host a large social event or an owambe party.

According to him, the decision followed years of observing the economic realities faced by people working around his business locations.

“If I organise a big party and spend money on food and drinks, the people who will attend can afford those things on their own,” he said. “So I decided to support people in the lower-income group who are doing business around where I operate.”

Balogun explained that his professional background as a marine engineer and operator in water transportation and aquatic tourism has allowed him to interact with different groups of people across income levels.

“I have been around people — the rich, the poor and the middle class — and I understand that small support can make a difference,” he said.

The support programme at Tarzan Jetty involves identifying individuals whose businesses require modest financial assistance to remain operational or expand. Balogun noted that the beneficiaries were selected through recommendations from trusted members of the community to ensure fairness and accountability.

“I worked with trusted people in the community to help gather names and phone numbers. When I contacted them, I interviewed them to know where they live and what they do, so that the support goes to the right people,” he added.

He noted that the verification process was necessary to prevent individuals outside the host community from benefiting unfairly.

“For this community alone, I received a list of 55 people. Some may not have phones, but I know where many of them work, so I can meet them directly,” he said.

Among those who benefited from the ongoing exercise is Deborah, a trader within the Badore area. She confirmed receiving N50,000 and said the financial assistance would help her sustain her business activities.

Deborah also offered prayers for Balogun, expressing appreciation for the support extended to traders within the community.

Another beneficiary, Pa Arowolo Isaac, described the initiative as a meaningful gesture that acknowledges community members who contribute positively to the area.

“My name is Pa Arowolo Isaac. I am one of the landlords in this community,” he said.

Isaac explained that he has spent years supporting peaceful coexistence among residents and assisting in resolving disputes within the community. “I am known as a peacemaker. Whenever there is disagreement, I always try to ensure peace among residents,” he said.

He said his selection as a beneficiary gave him a sense of recognition and appreciation. “I am happy that I was recognised and selected to be part of this empowerment,” Isaac said.

Isaac disclosed that he intends to use the financial support to assist his wife’s catering business. “I will give the money to my wife. She is a caterer, and this will help to boost her business,” he added.

He also extended goodwill wishes to Balogun ahead of his birthday on April 30. “I wish him many more years — 70, 80, 90 and even 120 years — and continued progress in his business,” Isaac said.

Balogun maintained that the objective of the initiative is to provide meaningful assistance that helps traders remain active and productive.

“Even if I cannot give the full amount they need, whatever I give will help them move forward and improve their businesses,” he said.  He added that the support programme remains ongoing at Tarzan Jetty in Badore and will extend to other communities in Lagos in subsequent phases.

The initiative is expected to move across additional Lagos communities before concluding in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Balogun maintains family ties. For many residents in Badore, the ongoing exercise represents a shift in focus from ceremonial spending to targeted support, reflecting a growing preference for community-based investment over social display.