On Thursday 28th October, 2024 the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) held the official unveiling of the AWAMN International Conference and Award & Gala Night 2025 to the public. The event was a momentous occasion attended by over 300 distinguished dignitaries, business owners and CEO members of the association, and media representatives, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the largest and most impactful events in AWAMN’s history.
Attendance and Representation
The unveiling ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including:
● The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.
● Dr. Gbadegesin Muyiwa, Managing Director of LAWMA, who led the LAWMA delegation.
● Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of LAWMA.
● Other notable senior staff of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) graced the occasion and industry leaders and CEOs
Three media houses were present to cover the event including The News Agency of Nigeria, The Vanguard, and The Nations Newspapers, Social Media reporters and photographers were on-site to capture the historic moments.
Program Overview
The unveiling exercise began with an opening speech delivered by the Secretary of the Capacity Development and Training Committee after the AWAMN National President, Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, had laid the groundwork. The President introduced the committee members and outlined the importance of the event, emphasizing that the upcoming International Conference and Award & Gala Night aligns with his administration’s manifesto to professionalize the association and waste management industry in Nigeria.
Key Highlights from the President’s Speech
Mr. Olugbenga Adebola reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning AWAMN as a professional and globally recognized association. He outlined several key initiatives from his administration’s 2023 manifesto, they include;
- Redefining AWAMN as a professional association: Modelled after leading international organizations such as ISWA, SWANA, NSWAI, and CIWM, rather than functioning as a union.
- Strengthening AWAMN’s influence: Positioning the association as a leader in waste management discourse in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.
- Reintroducing waste management conferences: Adding annual and bi-annual conferences to AWAMN’s calendar to expose members to new trends and technological advancements.
- Reinvigorating capacity development and training: Enhancing members’ intellectual capacity through structured programs, like the 2013 Lead City University certification program.
- Accessing federal MSME palliatives: Partnering with NACCIMA, SMEDAN, and other relevant bodies to access government opportunities for members.
- Induction for new members: Organizing induction programs to instill industry standards.
- Organizing study tours and training: Facilitating international conference attendance for exposure, networking, and business partnerships.
The National President also shared milestones already achieved under his administration, including leading AWAMN members to international events such as IFAT2024 in Germany and partnering with organizations like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and AHK for the WACEE’24 conference. Unveiling and Endorsements
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment Barr. Tokunbo Wahab ably represented by the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Environment, gave a word of prayer and encouragement. He was elated that the Association is organising a Conference of this magnitude to address lingering challenges within Waste management sectir in Nigeria. He therefire endorsed the conference on behalf of the ministry and Lagos State Government. The permanent secretary Engr, Kunle Adegbiten then unveiled the official conference banner, marking the event as officially launched.
The MD of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin Muyiwa, endorsed the event on behalf of LAWMA, expressing the team’s full support and promising to attend the gala night with joy and good health. Partnership with FIMA AFRICA and FAUN
Earlier in the meeting, the National President Mr. Olugbenga Adebola had introduced a collaboration and partnerships arrangement with FIMA Africa, a European company with interest in providing access to Funding options for infrastructure development within waste management industry in Africa. He equally introduced a team led by Mr. Marco Fiumi from FAUN International, a reputable Waste Trucks manufacturing company based in Germany. AWAMN, in collaboration with this companies are working to bring into the country over 40 million Euros to support and enhance effective waste management, from collection, segregation, containerisation, recycling and treatment of the waste generated in Nigeria. A Rotor compacting truck was brought into the country for demonstration on the same day.
Celebration and Conclusion
The event concluded with the cutting of ribbons, a photo session, and joyous celebration among AWAMN members and attendees. The unveiling was warmly received by all, with members expressing excitement and anticipation for what is expected to be the biggest AWAMN event in recent history, scheduled for February 2025.
The unveiling program successfully laid the foundation for an impactful conference and gala night, solidifying AWAMN’s position as a leader in waste management in Nigeria and beyond.
