Nigerian rural development and public policy expert Damilola Olajubutu has been appointed as the new Blue Community Ambassador for Africa, a role where she takes the world lead in water governance advocacy.
Blue Community, an international movement based in Switzerland focused on the promotion of human right to water and sanitation, announced the appointment, which is the second ambassador from Africa in the fast-growing network.
“I am honored to take on this new role as Ambassador for the Blue Community,” declared Olajubutu. “This position offers the opportunity to promote community-driven, sustainable projects that ensure equal access to clean water, especially for marginalized rural communities.”
Her appointment follows her impactful role at the United Nations (UN), where she spearheaded support for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (water and sanitation) and supported preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. Representing the Rural Nurture Initiative (RNI), she laid out a compelling argument for bottom-up community approaches as the most sustainable path to delivering access to water across Africa.
Olajubutu’s work is aligned with the Blue Community mission of protecting water services from pollution, privatization, and profiteering but ensuring access as a fundamental human right. She has also worked through the African Rural Development Network (ARDN), positioning herself as a vocal proponent for people-centered government and water justice.
“This ambassadorial role provides a wider platform to continue advocating water justice, human-centered solutions, and community-led leadership,” she continued.
Among the ambassadors, Olajubutu joins a distinguished roster of global water champions like University of Bremen Professor Andrea Muehlebach, former UN Special Rapporteur Léo Heller, and Water Journalists Africa founder Fredrick Mugira.
Her new appointment indicates increased African presence in global water governance amid universal rising challenges of access facing numerous rural communities throughout the continent.
In the future, Olajubutu looked forward to working closely with policymakers, community leaders, and other advocates across Africa and globally. “I look forward to working widely to further this crucial cause,” she said.
Her new role mirrors not only personal accolades, but a greater shift to place communities at the forefront of one of humanity’s most pressing issues equitable access to clean water.
