The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Monday celebrated female street sweepers and other female staff members with free health screening and special recognition awards to mark the International Women’s Day 2026.
The event, held at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa, Lagos, brought together sanitation workers and female staff to recognise their dedication and contributions to environmental cleanliness across the state.
Speaking during the programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the initiative was organised to honour the resilience, commitment, and contributions of female workers who play a key role in keeping Lagos clean and livable.
Delivering the welcome address, Gbadegesin explained that the celebration featured free medical screening and recognition awards for outstanding female workers, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving the wellbeing of women within the Authority.
He commended female staff members, particularly street sweepers, for their invaluable contributions to sanitation efforts across the state, describing them as resilient women deserving of recognition.
“The contributions of women, including our ever-diligent sweepers, remain vital to the operational success of LAWMA and the cleanliness of Lagos communities. Today, we celebrate your resilience and commitment to the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciates you, and we will continue to make you happy,” he said.
The LAWMA boss also revealed that the Lagos State Government had approved a health insurance policy for street sweepers, noting that insurance cards would soon be issued to them.
According to him, all 16,000 sanitation workers will benefit from free access to healthcare services under the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.
Gbadegesin, who inspected the medical screening conducted for the workers, encouraged them to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups and focus on the education and empowerment of their children, especially the girl child.
He added that the event was supported by LAWMA’s partners, including Agatem Pharmaceuticals, which supplied drugs for the workers; Toleram Group, which donated food items; and Waste Care, which provided financial support to the sanitation workers.
As part of the celebration, five outstanding female street sweepers were honoured with gifts in recognition of their dedication, diligence, and exemplary service to the Authority and the state.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, two sweepers, Mary Omoyosi and Taiwo Azeez, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and LAWMA management for their continued commitment to staff welfare, including the prompt payment of salaries and improved support for sanitation workers.
Written by Innocent Onoh