Glo Foundation Uplifts 500 Lagos Cleaners with Empowerment Initiative

More than 500 sanitation workers in Lagos have been honoured by the Glo Foundation, the charitable arm of telecoms giant Globacom, in a ceremony aimed at recognising their contributions to urban cleanliness and public health.

The event, held at the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) office in Ijora Olopa, brought together street cleaners from across the state’s local government and council development areas.

Organised in partnership with LAWMA, the programme featured a day of celebration, empowerment, and appreciation.

Participants were treated to music, games, raffle draws, and a variety of support packages. For many, it was the first time their work had been publicly acknowledged.

Speaking at the event, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, Head of the Glo Foundation, commended the street sweepers for their dedication in maintaining Lagos’s hygiene under challenging conditions.

“We recognise the important and often thankless jobs that you do every day to ensure our streets remain clean,” she said.

“This event is our way of saying thank you for your service and the risks you face daily, especially from impatient motorists and poor weather.”

The foundation distributed empowerment items including food supplies, household goods, mobile phones, and shopping vouchers.

The initiative, according to Ms Mofe-Damijo, will be extended to other states across Nigeria as part of a broader effort to appreciate unsung workers in essential sectors.

LAWMA Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, also addressed the gathering.

He praised Glo Foundation for its support, noting the vital role played by sanitation workers in safeguarding public health.

“Without the work of these sweepers, the city would quickly become uninhabitable,” he said. “This collaboration is a commendable example of how private organisations can contribute meaningfully to community wellbeing.”

Dr Gbadegesin called on other corporate bodies to emulate the gesture by recognising the often-overlooked contributions of public sector workers.

For some of the sweepers, the recognition was deeply emotional.

“Nobody has ever treated us like this before,” said Blessing, a 52-year-old widow. “Usually, people ignore us or complain, but today I feel seen and respected.”

Another participant, Chioma, described the experience as transformative. “When I got the message about this event, I thought it was a scam.

But I’m so happy I came, it’s been the best day of my year,” she said.

The event was designed not just to celebrate, but also to empower.

The items distributed were intended to ease the daily burdens of the workers and improve their quality of life. Several LAWMA staff also noted a significant boost in team morale.

“This kind of gesture can have a long-lasting impact,” one supervisor said.

“The atmosphere here today is something we don’t see often people smiling, laughing, and dancing together.”

Sanitation workers in Lagos play a critical but often overlooked role in maintaining urban infrastructure for over 20 million residents.

Their work prevents flooding, reduces the spread of disease, and ensures safe roads.

By spotlighting their contributions, the Glo Foundation hopes to encourage greater societal appreciation for essential service providers.

“Our mission is to spread this message of gratitude across Nigeria,” said Ms Mofe-Damijo.

“From Abuja to Kano, Port Harcourt to Benin, we want every cleaner and unsung worker to know that they are not invisible.”

The event concluded with group photographs, music, and renewed enthusiasm among the workers. Many expressed a sense of pride and validation, describing the day as one they would never forget.