Like Tokunbo Wahab, LAWMA MD Declines LASMAYA 2024 Nomination

Like Tokunbo Wahab, LAWMA MD Declines LASMAYA 2024 Nomination

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has declined his nomination for the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA) 2024.

This follows a similar reaction from the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab who also rejected his nominations for the award.

Wahab had announced the rejection in a personal message on his X handle on Wednesday, stating that “after careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my nomination. Members of the public should not vote me in this award.”

He stated: “Again, I appreciate the gesture and the belief in the work that we do at the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources but I am stepping away from this nomination.”

Both Wahab and Gbadegesin had been nominated alongside other notable dignitaries in Lagos, including Mr Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Mr Hundogan Temitope Sewanu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Prof Adetokunbo Fabanwo, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and others.

The annual award which was established in 2008 had been won previously by dignitaries in Lagos including former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire as well as Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

In a statement signed by Folashade Kadiri, LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs and released on Wednesday, Dr. Gbadegesin expressed his sincere gratitude to the organisers of the award for considering him for such an esteemed honor.

He acknowledged the recognition but emphasised that the collective efforts of the LAWMA team and the entire Lagos citizenry in tackling waste management challenges were more deserving of accolades.

“While deeply humbled by the recognition, I believe that the collective efforts of the LAWMA team and the entire Lagos citizenry in addressing waste management challenges are more deserving of such accolades,” Dr. Gbadegesin said.

He went on to request that the public refrain from voting for him, highlighting his commitment to the ongoing mission of LAWMA. “To this end, I’m declining the nomination and urge members of the public not to vote for me,” he stated.

Dr. Gbadegesin reaffirmed his dedication to improving the waste management landscape in Lagos State, vowing to continue delivering on LAWMA’s mandate to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all residents.

The Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA) is organised by the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies, who recognise the contributions of government appointees and some private individuals to development in the state.