The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has organised a freemedical screening, for over 1000 sanitation workers (street sweepers) atthe Authority’s headquarters, Ijora Olopa.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. KunleAdebiyi, noted that the exercise was a testament to the commitment ofGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, to prioritise the wellness
of LAWMA sweepers.
He said, “Your well-being is our priority. Whatever happens to yourhealth, will affect us in one way or the other. Therefore, we don’t wantany ill-health to befall you. Today, your blood pressure, sugar level,urine and eye and hepatitis will be checked for proper diagnosis. Theaim of this is to manage the health of our workers and detect earlyhealth issues.
Our sweepers are our heroes, we need to take good care of them. We haveover 16,000 of them who keep Lagos clean everyday. Our aim is to ensurewe capture all of them in this screening exercise and there will be
followups. Some will be administered for consultation, some will be forreferral, some will be given medications. All of these is to ensuretheir health is properly managed. We appreciate the Governor for hisconsistent support”.
The Medical Director of LAWMA, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Okoh, noted that themedical screening exercise was a demonstration of the state’s commitmentto the welfare of LAWMA’s workforce, adding that early detection of
diseases would go a long way in helping to manage the health of sweeperswho work tirelessly.
One of the beneficiaries, Nafisat Rahman, appreciated the stategovernment for the medical checks. In her words: “We do spend a lot onhospital bills, but with this kind of initiative, it will reduce it andwe will be more aware of our health status. I want them to continue withthis kind of exercise”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Godwin Imeh, said the medical screening exercisewas a nice initiative. He encouraged the Authority to continue toprioritise the welfare of sweepers.
In attendance at the event were members of LAWMA’s management staff.
The medical outreach for LAWMA’s sanitation workers is a continuousexercise, with sweepers in other districts in the state set to benefitfrom the health screening.