The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has organised a free
medical screening, for over 1000 sanitation workers (street sweepers) at
the Authority's headquarters, Ijora Olopa.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle
Adebiyi, noted that the exercise was a testament to the commitment of
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration, to prioritise the wellness
of LAWMA sweepers.
He said, "Your well-being is our priority. Whatever happens to your
health, will affect us in one way or the other. Therefore, we don't want
any ill-health to befall you. Today, your blood pressure, sugar level,
urine and eye and hepatitis will be checked for proper diagnosis. The
aim of this is to manage the health of our workers and detect early
health issues.
Our sweepers are our heroes, we need to take good care of them. We have
over 16,000 of them who keep Lagos clean everyday. Our aim is to ensure
we capture all of them in this screening exercise and there will be
followups. Some will be administered for consultation, some will be for
referral, some will be given medications. All of these is to ensure
their health is properly managed. We appreciate the Governor for his
consistent support".
The Medical Director of LAWMA, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Okoh, noted that the
medical screening exercise was a demonstration of the state’s commitment
to the welfare of LAWMA's workforce, adding that early detection of
diseases would go a long way in helping to manage the health of sweepers
who work tirelessly.
One of the beneficiaries, Nafisat Rahman, appreciated the state
government for the medical checks. In her words: "We do spend a lot on
hospital bills, but with this kind of initiative, it will reduce it and
we will be more aware of our health status. I want them to continue with
this kind of exercise", she said.
Another beneficiary, Godwin Imeh, said the medical screening exercise
was a nice initiative. He encouraged the Authority to continue to
prioritise 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 continuous
exercise, with sweepers in other districts in the state set to benefit
from the health screening.