The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) yesterday celebrated female street sweepers and other female staff members with free health screening and special recognition awards as a way of marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
Delivering his speech at the event, LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the programme, which brought together street sweepers and other female staff, was designed to honour their dedication, resilience and contributions to maintaining environmental cleanliness across the State.
He said major highlights of the celebration were the provision of rewards and free medical screening for female street sweepers and staff to promote preventive healthcare and improve the well-being of women within the Authority.
He commended the female worksers, especially the sanitation workers for their commitment and invaluable contributions in keeping Lagos 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 LAWMA chief disclosed 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.
Gbadegesin, 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 also stated 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, that 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, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues commended the 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.
