By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Lagos Waste Management Authority on Monday celebrated female sanitation workers across the state with free medical screenings and recognition awards to mark International Women’s Day.
The event, held at the agency’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa, brought together female street sweepers and other staff members in appreciation of their role in maintaining environmental sanitation across Lagos.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the agency on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the initiative was organised to honour the dedication and resilience of female sanitation workers.
He said the contributions of women, particularly street sweepers, remained crucial to the agency’s operations and the cleanliness of Lagos communities.
Gbadegesin noted that the celebration featured health screenings and reward packages aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving workers’ welfare.
He added that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration had approved a health insurance policy for street sweepers in the state.
According to him, about 16,000 sweepers will soon receive health insurance cards under the Ilera Eko health scheme, enabling them to access free medical services.
“Their health insurance cards are expected to be issued within the coming weeks, giving all 16,000 sweepers free access to medical services under the Ilera Eko health initiative,” he said.
The LAWMA boss also urged workers to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups and encouraged them to support the education of their children, particularly the girl child.
He acknowledged the support of partners who contributed to the event, including Agatem Pharmaceuticals, which provided medications, Toleram Group, which donated food items, and Waste Care, which offered financial support.
As part of the celebration, five female street sweepers received awards and gifts for their outstanding performance and dedication to service.
Responding on behalf of the workers, Mary Omoyosi and Taiwo Azeez thanked the Lagos State Government and LAWMA management for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of sanitation workers.
They noted that the agency had continued to prioritise staff well-being through prompt salary payments and other support programmes.