The Lagos Commissioner for Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab, has withdrawn his participation from the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA) 2024.
In his statement, Barr. Wahab expressed his gratitude for the nomination and the esteemed company he was in, acknowledging the reputations of the other nominees.
However, after careful consideration, he decided to withdraw from the nomination, requesting that members of the public refrain from voting for him.
He emphasised his appreciation for the recognition and the faith in the work of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources but reiterated his decision to step away from this nomination.
The Commissioner’s decision follows a publication by the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies listing him among other government appointees and some private individuals for the LASMAYA 2024.
Other nominees include Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Hundogan Temitope Sewanu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Lagos State, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
The list also include Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, OON, Executive Chairman, Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Ltd., Mr. Lamina Olatoye Rasheed, Chairman/Executive Officer, Amex Fishing Industries Limited, President, Association of Indigenous Seafood Stakeholders of Nigeria, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director/CEO, FIRST E&P, and Engr. ‘Kunmi Ayodeji, Managing Director, TOPEK Engineering and Consultancy Services Ltd.
The organisers, who claimed the award is in its twelfth edition, encouraged public participation in the poll conducted through Short Message Services (SMS) starting Monday, 15th July 2024.
They asserted that the award is a credible project aimed at paying tribute to excellence and was created to identify, recognise, and project genuine role models in the State of Centre of Excellence.