Over 150 street sweepers working with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have successfully completed the first phase of the Glo Skillbridge programme, a skills acquisition initiative by Glo Foundation aimed at empowering low-income workers with practical, income-generating skills.
The training lasted for several weeks and ended last week, covering key vocational areas including fashion design, baking, bead making and digital skills.
The programme was held at various partner training centres across Lagos, with coordinators applauding the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the beneficiaries.
According to a statement by Glo Foundation, the initiative was created to “equip participants with knowledge that will enable them to broaden their horizon and create other streams of income for themselves.”
The foundation also expressed pride in the progress made by the trainees.
At the YetrosLane Training Academy in Gbagada, Johnpaul Tobi, coordinator for the fashion design group, said, “The participants are amazing, they are putting their best foot forward and they are willing to learn.”
Damilola Ilemobayo, one of the trainees, shared her excitement, “My skill as a fashion designer has improved, especially when it comes to beading fabrics. I can’t wait to show the world what I’ve learned. May God continue to bless Globacom.”
At the Bakery Initiatives centre in Yaba, coordinator Omotola Akinsanya praised the participants’ eagerness to learn despite differing literacy levels.
Obadina Omowumi, one of the baking trainees, said, “It’s been lovely. The training covered costing, measurement, and even financial management. It has truly impacted my life.”
The digital skills training, handled by ALX, featured inspiring stories of transformation.
Coordinator Oluwatosin Abiodun expressed amazement at how quickly participants adapted to technology.
One standout story is that of Suliat Ojulari, who had never used a computer before but now confidently operates laptops and uses multiple applications.
“At first I was discouraged because I had no idea how to use a computer,” she said.
“But after watching a motivational video, I decided to try. Now, I’m very good at operating a laptop, all thanks to Glo and the coordinators.”
Another participant, Endurance Francis, described the programme as “life-changing,” adding, “The knowledge I’ve gained here will take me places. May God bless Glo for this opportunity.”
The graduation ceremony for this first batch of trainees is scheduled to be held later this week by the Glo Foundation.
The initiative is expected to continue in phases, giving more LAWMA workers a pathway to financial independence and personal development.
