Glo Foundation Hosts “Rest and Relaxation Day” for Sanitation Workers

… unveils skills acquisition training to empower them

The Glo Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of telecommunications giant Globacom, on Saturday honoured over 1,000 sanitation workers in Lagos State with a special event themed Rest and Relaxation Day. The celebration took place at the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) headquarters in Ijora, Olopa, Lagos.

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The event was packed with entertainment, including music, games, delicious food, and bonding activities designed to help the workers unwind, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being. Beyond the fun, the Foundation also announced a four-week skills acquisition programme for the workers or their dependents. Training areas include bead making, barbing, fashion design, and digital skills—initiatives aimed at providing them with sustainable sources of income.

Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, Head of Glo Foundation, explained that the Foundation organized the event as a show of appreciation for the vital services sanitation workers perform daily—often at great personal risk—on the roads of Lagos. She added that similar initiatives would soon be extended to other states across Nigeria to foster a sense of inclusion among workers performing essential but often overlooked jobs.

“We deeply appreciate the critical, and often thankless, role you play in keeping our environment clean. We also recognize the dangers you face from impatient road users. Today is about showing you that we see you, value you, and are grateful for your unwavering efforts,” she said.

She further revealed upcoming empowerment programmes which will offer training in areas such as:

Fashion Skills: Fashion design, jewelry making, fabric embellishment, and beading

Baking Skills: Cake baking and decoration, pastries, bread making

Digital Skills: Digital marketing, social media management, and e-commerce

As well as entrepreneurship and soft skills training

LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, praised the initiative, calling it timely and aligned with the THEMES+ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, which prioritizes citizens’ health and wellness.

He emphasized the importance of intentional rest in mitigating health risks, saying, “We often work non-stop and rarely take time to rest and recover. Today’s event provides that necessary pause, and we’re grateful to the Glo Foundation for making it happen.”

Dr. Gbadegesin also applauded the planned skills training, likening it to the popular saying, “Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” highlighting the long-term impact of such empowerment initiatives.

Sanitation workers at the event expressed heartfelt gratitude.

“I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. I’m really thankful to LAWMA and the Glo Foundation for putting this together,” said Iyabo Joseph.

“I feel so happy and appreciated today,” added Lateefat Alabi. “This kind of encouragement motivates me to keep giving my best.”

The event featured dance competitions, a raffle draw, and gift presentations. Two lucky sweepers won a microwave and a grinding machine, adding to the joy of the day.

Dignitaries at the event included LAWMA management staff, Prince Adekemi Ojora—the Bobakeye of Ijora, Iganmu & Apapa kingdom—and Glo Foundation officials, who actively mingled and celebrated with the workers.

As the event drew to a close, it became evident that Rest and Relaxation Day was more than just a corporate outreach—it was a heartfelt statement of recognition. It was a day that reminded everyone that behind the orange uniforms are dedicated individuals deserving of celebration, dignity, and opportunity.