The commemoration brought together industry stakeholders, academics, and students, providing a platform for CWAY to highlight its efforts in providing safe drinking water while driving social impact and economic growth across communities.
Speaking at the event, Deputy General Manager for Sales Operations, Charles Ojo, noted that CWAY’s contribution extends beyond hydration. “Water is life, but beyond providing safe drinking water, CWAY has contributed to employment both direct and indirect through our distribution network, logistics partnerships, and refill systems that reach households daily,” he said. Ojo further explained that the company’s expanding operations have created opportunities across its value chain—from production lines to last-mile delivery—ensuring that clean water reaches consumers while supporting livelihoods.
He also highlighted CWAY’s investments in production systems and refill infrastructure as practical measures for reducing water waste and improving accessibility. “We have structured our production processes and expanded refill options so more homes can access clean water conveniently and sustainably,” Ojo added.
Samuel Akinrimisi, Group Marketing Head, reinforced the consumer-focused message, stressing water’s centrality to daily living. “There is hardly anything you can do without water. From the moment you wake up to when you go to bed, water is essential. Ensuring access to safe, drinkable water is not just a business, it is a responsibility,” he said. He also connected this year’s theme to gender equality, emphasizing that water is not the responsibility of any one group. “Water has no regard for gender,” he noted. “It is the responsibility of everyone, male and female, to ensure it is available, used properly, and not wasted.”
CWAY’s wide product range—from 500ml bottles to 18.9L refill systems—was highlighted as a means of ensuring water accessibility across households and communities.
The event featured a keynote address by Prof. Roland Uwadiya, Associate Professor of Marine Science at the University of Lagos, on “Water, Women and the Unjust Status Quo: The Role of Humans in the Global Water Crisis.” He cautioned against looming water security challenges if governments and organizations fail to act and commended CWAY for its leadership in raising awareness and expanding access.
Youth engagement was a key element of the commemoration, with a secondary school essay competition on the theme “Water and Gender.” Students from Lagos and Ogun States participated, with six finalists presenting their ideas. Fadare Oluwaseunfunmi of FAS Comprehensive College, Ogun State, won first place, receiving ₦300,000, a CWAY water dispenser, and 25 packs of bottled water. The second and third places went to Emeka Vanessa and Oluremi Temidayo Mercy, with the remaining finalists receiving consolation prizes. The competition reinforced CWAY’s investment in youth development and advocacy for water sustainability.
While Lagos served as the flagship event, CWAY extended its World Water Day activities to Enugu and Abuja. In Enugu, the team engaged directly with the public at Ogbete Market, distributing free bottles of water to traders, shoppers, and food vendors. In Abuja, a large-scale awareness walk carried the World Water Day message to multiple neighborhoods, bringing the campaign directly to residents.
Through this blend of advocacy, innovation, and community engagement, CWAY continues to position itself not only as a water provider but as a key driver of conversations around access, responsibility, and sustainability. The company has consistently used World Water Day to promote awareness, encourage responsible water use, and support communities across Nigeria.


