The Glo Foundation, Globacom’s social responsibility arm, on Saturday hosted a special celebration for street sweepers under the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), recognising their daily contribution to the cleanliness of Lagos.
The event, held at LAWMA’s Ijora Olopa office, saw hundreds of sweepers from all local governments and LCDAs across the state come together for a rare day of fun, relaxation and recognition.
The sweepers were treated to music, games, raffle draws and gifts in a colourful event that placed them firmly in the spotlight.
Head of the Glo Foundation, Jumobi Damijo, said the initiative, dubbed a “Rest and Relaxation” day, was designed to honour the sweepers for their tireless and often hazardous work on Lagos roads.
“We recognize the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state in ensuring that our roads and streets are clean every day,” Damijo said. “We understand the dangers you face from impatient drivers and challenging conditions, and we want to let you know how much we value your contributions.”
She also revealed that the foundation plans to extend similar events to other states and will roll out empowerment and skills acquisition programmes for sweepers.
These will include training in fashion design, baking, digital marketing, social media management and entrepreneurship.
Managing director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended Globacom for the initiative and described it as timely and commendable.
He emphasised the importance of the sweepers’ work to the health and hygiene of Lagos residents and encouraged other corporate organisations to emulate Globacom’s example.
Several sweepers expressed their gratitude for the event and the recognition it brought.
Aniekwe Ifeoma, a sweeper from Lagos, shared how her job at LAWMA has allowed her to further her education and run a small beverage business.
Another sweeper, Awolaja Esther from Ikorodu, who has been with LAWMA for 15 years, shared how she is using her income to support two undergraduates.
As part of the excitement, lucky winners among the sweepers took home empowerment gifts through a lucky dip, including a sewing machine, a grinding machine and an inverter microwave oven.
Winners like Dorcas Adeniji from Oshodi and Adewusi Bisola from Alakuko celebrated joyfully, while Ige Sadatu expressed heartfelt appreciation after receiving her sewing machine.
The celebration underscored the value of often-unsung heroes who keep Lagos clean and highlighted Globacom’s ongoing commitment to social impact and grassroots empowerment.
