I am deeply honoured to be named one of the recipients of the “Collins Osayamwen Award of Excellence 2025”, an award organized by the Association of Facilities Management Practitioners, Nigeria (AFMPN) in memory of the late Mr. Collins Osayamwen, the first president of the Association. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but also a call to keep working towards advancing the profession of Facility Management (FM) in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
The inaugural award was presented to two recipients — Barakat Suleiman and myself (Kazeem Olugbade) — at the AFMPN 2025 Annual Facility Management Conference and Exhibition, which took place on the 24th and 25th of September 2025 at the FSS Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The late Mr. Collins Osayamwen was more than just a leader; he was a mentor and a visionary in the field of facility management. Through his dedication, integrity, and leadership, he shaped the profession across Africa, inspiring many of us to raise the standards of practice. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence that continues to guide FM professionals today.
To receive an award in his honour is a reminder that our work in facility management is bigger than us as individuals, it is about building sustainable systems, advancing knowledge, and contributing to the growth of communities and cities.
The AFMPN 2025 Conference
This year’s conference was held under the theme: “Future-Proofing Facilities: Harnessing Technology for Smart Cities and Workspaces.”
The program featured an array of insightful topics, such as:
- Digital Transformation of Facilities Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making in Facilities Management
- Leveraging AI and IoT for Predictive Maintenance
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Facilities Operations
- Smart, Autonomous, and Intelligent Building Operations
- Adoptions and Applications of Robotics, Machine Learning, Drone Technology, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality in Facilities Management
These conversations are timely and essential. Around the world, facilities are becoming more complex and technology-driven. For Nigeria and Africa, embracing these advancements is key to improving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in our built environment.
My Commitment to the Profession
Being selected for the Collins Osayamwen Award of Excellence strengthens my resolve to continue giving my best to the FM profession. Facility management is more than maintaining buildings and infrastructure, it is about creating smart, safe, and sustainable spaces where people can thrive.
As we look towards the future, the integration of technology, data, and human-centered design will define how facilities are planned, operated, and sustained. I remain committed to contributing to this transformation by sharing knowledge, mentoring younger professionals, and championing practices that align with global standards while addressing local challenges.
A Note of Appreciation
Moments like this are never achieved alone. I owe this recognition to the support and encouragement of many individuals and institutions who have contributed to my journey.
Special appreciation to the Board of Trustees of AFMPN, led by ESV Stephen Jagun, for their leadership and for upholding the vision of the association.
Gratitude to the National Executive Council of AFMPN, led by Dr. Olumide Aina, for their commitment to strengthening the FM profession in Nigeria.
Thanks to the Conference Organizing Committee, led by Oluwadara Asimolowo, for putting together such a remarkable event that brought professionals, thought leaders, and innovators together.
To my colleagues, fellow professionals, friends, and family, thank you for your constant encouragement and belief in my work.
This award is a recognition of collective effort, and I share it with everyone who has walked this journey with me.
Looking Ahead
The facility management profession in Nigeria and across Africa is entering a defining era. With challenges such as urbanization, sustainability, and digital transformation ahead of us, we must continue to equip ourselves with the right knowledge, skills, and tools.
Awards like this remind us that excellence is not optional; it is the standard we must uphold to honour those who paved the way, like the late Mr. Collins Osayamwen. His legacy challenges us to raise the bar, think long-term, and ensure that our facilities contribute meaningfully to national development and the well-being of future generations.
As one of the recipients of the 2025 award, I am encouraged to remain steadfast in contributing to this vision.
God bless AFMPN.
God bless Nigeria.
