System Analyst
February 27, 2025
Governor Adeleke Receives Award of Excellence for Leadership in Circular Economy, Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability
PRESS RELEASE
Lagos, Nigeria –27/02/2025– osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has been honored with an Award of Excellence for his outstanding contributions to circular economy, waste management, and environmental sustainability at the International Waste Management Conference, Exhibition, and Awards, organized by the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN).
The conference, held on February 20th and 21st, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, was themed “Redefining Integrated Waste Management in Nigeria through Circular Economy.” Governor Adeleke’s goodwill message was delivered on his behalf by Professor Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, who also participated in a panel discussion on sustainable waste management strategies and financing mechanisms.
In his goodwill message, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed Osun State’s commitment to integrating circular economy principles into waste management, emphasizing its potential to drive economic development, environmental resilience, and climate action. He outlined Osun’s ongoing waste-to-wealth initiatives, which aim to transform waste materials into valuable resources, create employment opportunities, and reduce environmental degradation.
“Waste should not be seen as an end product but as an economic resource,” Governor Adeleke stated. “Osun State is investing in innovative waste-to-wealth projects, including recycling hubs, organic waste composting for agriculture, and bioenergy production. These initiatives align with our broader sustainability agenda and contribute to Nigeria’s climate mitigation efforts.”
The Governor also emphasized the role of carbon credits and green bonds as financial instruments to support large-scale waste management projects. “The global transition to a low-carbon economy provides an opportunity for subnational governments to leverage carbon finance. By tapping into carbon credit markets and green bonds, Osun State can scale up its waste management infrastructure while generating revenue for climate-smart investments,” he noted.
Representing Osun State at the panel discussion, Professor Chinwe Obuaku highlighted Osun State’s open-door policy for partnerships in the waste management and climate sectors. “We recognize that achieving a sustainable circular economy requires multi-stakeholder collaboration. Osun State is actively seeking private sector investment, research partnerships, and technical support to enhance our waste-to-wealth initiatives and expand green infrastructure,” she stated.
She also reiterated that Osun State’s circular economy agenda is deeply tied to its climate action strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrating waste management with broader environmental policies. “From innovative recycling projects to sustainable packaging solutions, Osun State is committed to pioneering new models of environmental sustainability that align with global best practices,” she added.
Governor Adeleke’s Award of Excellence is a recognition of Osun State’s leadership in sustainable waste management and climate resilience. The state remains at the forefront of subnational climate governance, implementing policies that link waste management with green growth, carbon reduction, and environmental protection.
As Osun continues to advance its circular economy agenda, the government welcomes technical, financial, and institutional partnerships to further enhance its waste-to-wealth programs and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Nigeria.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
