CITIZENS COMPASS-– Over 1,000 sanitation workers have been celebrated at a special event tagged, rest and relaxation day, organised by Glo Foundation, at the headquarters of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), Ijora, Olopa.
The event was a break off work, and dedicated for rest and fun for the workers, featuring music, games, food, and bonding activities, aimed at reducing stress and promoting the health and wellness of the workers.
The Foundation also promised a four-week skill acquisition training for 200 workers or their dependents in bead making, barbing, fashion design, digital skills and more, to equip them with permanent vocations.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, lauded the initiative as a well thought-out idea, to shield the workers from health risks and boost their wellness status.
According to him: “This gesture falls squarely within the frame of the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, which prioritizes health and wellness of the people. No doubt that we are used to the culture of working round the clock, and hardly finding the time for intentional rest, during which to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies, to reduce stress and prevent health risks. This much needed occasional relief is at the heart of today’s event. And we thank the Glo Foundation for the kind gesture and encouragement”.
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss thanked the foundation for its planned skill acquisition programme for some sanitation workers, aimed at equipping them for financial stability.
He said, “The foundation has assured us of a planned skill acquisition programme for no less than 200 workers or their dependents, during which they would learn skills such as bead making, hair dressing, dress designing, digital skills and lots more. It is scheduled to run for four whole weeks. As the saying goes, when you teach a man to fish, you have succeeded in feeding him for the rest of his life. That is exactly what Glo Foundation is set to achieve with that programme, and we are eternally grateful for the kind gesture”.
He urged the workers to enjoy the relaxation day to the fullest, by having enough fun and interacting freely with one another.
In her address, the head of CSR Globacom Foundation, Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, commended the sanitation workers’ hard work and dedication to duty, adding that a skill acquisition package would soon be unveiled to the sweepers to celebrate and honour their contributions.
“Today is about celebrating our mummies and daddies. You are our real heroes. The amazing energy you are devoting in your line of duty on a daily basis is worth celebrating”
“In anticipation of Mother’s Day tomorrow, we are making today extra special just for you. We appreciate your tireless efforts and dedication to our environment and the well-being of Lagos State. We have created a wonderful experience for you, featuring vocational training sessions in hairdressing, bead making, dress making and more. So sit back, relax and enjoy every moment of this special day” she said.
Some sanitation workers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Glo Foundation for organizing the event, promising to continue their diligent work to keep Lagos State clean.
“It’s been a while since I have had this much fun, I am truly grateful to LAWMA and the Glo Foundation for organizing this amazing event. I am looking forward to enjoying every moment of it,” said Iyabo Joseph.
Another sweeper, Lateefat Alabi said: “I am very happy today. I appreciate our Glo Foundation and LAWMA for this event. This will motivate me to keep doing my job diligently always”
Other highlights of the event included dance competition, raffle draw, and gift presentation, where two sweepers won a microwave and a grinding machine, bringing joy to the winners.
In attendance were LAWMA management staff, the Bobakeye of Ijora, Iganmu & Apapa kingdom, Prince Adekemi Ojora, and several Glo Foundation officials, who engaged directly with the workers and freely shared in the fun and pageantry.
The event enthroned a joyous and hilarious atmosphere at the LAWMA headquarters, with the workers freely exchanging banter, playing games and dancing to the latest tune in town.
As the sun slowly set and the music wound down, there was a lingering sense of fun and humour, suggesting that the event was actually more than just a corporate gesture — it was a statement that every worker matters.
For many attendees, it was a much-needed break. For others, it was the beginning of something new — a good opportunity to grow, thrive, and be seen beyond the orange uniforms and daily street s weeping schedules.
