By JKNewsMedia
LAGOS SANITATION ‘heroes’ take centre stage as Globacom hosts appreciation day for them through its philanthropic arm, Glo Foundation.
The company turned the spotlight on the unsung ‘heroes of Lagos’ urban cleanliness with a vibrant celebration honouring street sweepers under the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Hundreds of sanitation workers gathered on Saturday at LAWMA’s Ijora Olopa office, where they were treated to a day of rest, recreation, and recognition.
The event, designed to commend their tireless service, featured games, dancing, raffle draws, and surprise gifts, transforming the typically overlooked workforce into the day’s celebrities.
Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, Head of the Glo Foundation, said the Foundation created the special day to appreciate the daily sacrifices made by sweepers who brave traffic dangers and adverse conditions to keep the city clean.
“We recognise the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state,” she said. “Your work under hazardous conditions makes Lagos cleaner and healthier, and today, we’re here to honour that dedication.”
In a move to create long-term impact, G lo Foundation announced a suite of empowerment programmes for sweepers, ranging from fashion design and vocational training to digital skills such as online marketing, social media management, and e-commerce.
Mofe-Damijo confirmed the initiative will be replicated in other states to ensure wider reach and deeper social impact.
LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, praised Globacom for taking the lead in recognising the contribution of street sweepers.
“This gesture boosts morale and reaffirms that their efforts are seen and valued,” he said. “We urge more organisations to join hands with us in uplifting those who safeguard our environment.”
Many sweepers present shared inspiring personal stories, highlighting the transformative potential of their work.
Aniekwe Rejoice Ifeoma, born in Lagos, juggles her LAWMA duties with a side business selling Zobo and Tigernut drinks.
She expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s support, revealing that she is currently pursuing digital literacy training to expand her income streams.
Ikorodu resident Awolaja Esther, a LAWMA veteran of 15 years, shared that her sweeping job has enabled her to support two university undergraduates. “This appreciation means the world to us,” she said.
To wrap up the day, Globacom organised a lucky dip that saw several sweepers win household items. Dorcas Adeniji of Oshodi danced joyfully after winning a grinding machine.
Bisola Adewusi from Alakuko received an Inverter Microwave oven to the delight of cheering colleagues, while Ige Sadatu took home a sewing machine.
For one day, the people behind Lagos’ sparkling streets were not only seen—they were celebrated, the LAWMA veteran noted.
