Dare Babalola
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) observed the 2026 International Women’s Day by hosting a celebration in honour of its female street sweepers and other female employees, featuring complimentary health screenings and special awards presentations in recognition of their contributions.
Mukaila Sanusi, the agency’s Director Public Affairs, made this known in a statement he issued on Monday, quoting LAWMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to have said the programme was designed to honour their dedication, resilience, and contributions to maintaining environmental cleanliness across the State.
The event was held at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa.
He stated that the celebration prominently featured the provision of incentives and complimentary medical screenings for female street sweepers and staff, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and enhancing the overall well-being of women employed by the Authority.
Gbadegesin commended the female staff of the Authority, especially the sanitation workers for their commitment and invaluable contributions in keeping the city clean and livable, while describing the entire LAWMA female workforce as resilient women worthy of celebration.
“The contributions of women, including our ever diligent sweepers remain vital to the operational success of LAWMA and the cleanliness of Lagos communities. Equally, women play an important role in shaping the future through their families and communities. Today, we celebrate your resilience and commitment to the state. We want to let you know that you are appreciated, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciates you. We will continue to make you happy”, he said.
The Managing Director affirmed that in addition to the provision of new kits and equipment that would soon be distributed to the sweepers, the Lagos State Governor has approved the sweepers’ health insurance policy and their cards would be ready for collection in some weeks’ time, adding that all the 16,000 sweepers would have free access to medical facilities under the Ilera Eko policy in the State.
The LAWMA helmsman, who inspected the medical screening conducted for the sweepers, urged them to prioritise their health through proper care and regular medical check-ups, while also putting the education and empowerment of their children first, particularly the girl child.
He said that to achieve a successful celebration, LAWMA received support from its partners, including Agatem Pharmaceuticals which provided drugs for the health needs of the workers, Toleram Group, which donated food items for the female sanitation workers, and Waste Care, which provided monetary support to the sweepers in appreciation of their contributions to maintaining environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.
As part of the celebration, five outstanding female street sweepers were honoured and presented with gifts in recognition of their diligence, dedication, and exemplary service to the Authority and the State.
Two sweepers, Mary Omoyosi and Taiwo Azeez, spoke on behalf of their colleagues and commended the Lagos State Government and the management of LAWMA for their commitment to staff welfare, particularly the prompt payment of salaries and the relentless efforts to improve the wellbeing of sanitation workers.
