GLO Foundation, the social responsibility arm of Globacom, has partnered with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to host a special day in celebration of its staff who keep the state clean.

The event, held at the Ijora Olopa office of the agency, had hundreds of sweepers drawn from all the local councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

The sweepers, usually the ones that many do not reckon with despite their onerous duties, became the centre of attraction at the event as they danced and participated in various fun activities, including games and raffle draws, courtesy of Globacom.

While speaking at the event, the Head of Glo Foundation, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, disclosed that the Foundation decided to honour the cleaners with a Rest and Relaxation event to express gratitude to them for the important work they do daily, even at great danger to their lives on roads across the state.

She noted that the effort of the Glo Foundation in this regard would also extend to other states across the country so as to renew a sense of belonging among those who are doing critical jobs across the country.

“We recognise the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state in ensuring that our roads and streets are clean every day.

“We recognise the hazards you face from drivers who don’t appreciate you and are at times impatient while you are by the roadside sweeping. It is the reason why we are here today to let you know how much we value you and your huge contributions to keeping Lagos clean on a continuous basis,” she added.

She also disclosed that there were empowerment and skills acquisition programmes planned for the sweepers, which will be held in the following months. They include Fashion Skills (Fashion Design, jewellery making, Fabric Embellishment & Beading); Baking skills: (Basic cake and decoration, Fried and baked pastry, Bread making, soft skills and Entrepreneurship class); Digital Skills (Digital marketing, social media management, and e-commerce).

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, was effusive in praise of Globacom for coming up with the idea of creating a day to appreciate the sweepers across the state, adding that the agency is happy about the collaborations, which will further help and inspire the sweepers.

He emphasised the importance of the work of the sweepers in contributing to the health and well-being of the citizenry, calling on more corporate bodies to emulate the gesture from Globacom.