Rashidat Okunlade Writes 

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered AOA Windstream and Applistructure Consulting Ltd to launch a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, tagged “LAWMA GrassRoots Benefit,” which saw the distribution of packages of essential commodities, to the people of Otto, Ijora-Olopa and Ilaje communities.

Speaking at the event, which was held at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the grassroots benefits program was designed to cater to the needs of the less privileged members of communities, including those on low-income, the unemployed, and vulnerable groups.

He said the CSR program included various components, such as food stamps, unemployment benefits, scholarships, free healthcare, empowerment programs, and admission into LAWMA Academy, adding that the program would assist the food budget of low-income people and support small businesses experiencing temporary difficulties.

“The GrassRoots Benefit program is an aid program to help those who have lost their jobs. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, finding a job, and training. If you need help paying for admission into
tertiary institutions, technical, or other vocations, GrassRoots Benefits is the option you may be eligible for from the LGA and other sources,” Mr. Odumboni said.

He appreciated the people of those communities (Otto, Ijora-Olopa, and Ilaje), for supporting the Authority over the years, noting that the gesture was a way of giving back to the people, to foster more positive relationships, while also urging them to exercise their civic responsibility, by voting in the forthcoming governorship and state assembly elections.

The LAWMA CEO expressed his gratitude to AOA Windstream and Applistructure Consulting Ltd for partnering with LAWMA to launch the GrassRoots Benefit program, reiterating LAWMA’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions for waste management and improving the quality of life for residents.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of AOA Windstream, Cole Adeboyejo, disclosed that the company’s decision to identify with the communities was informed by the need to cater to people at the grassroots.

He said, “Over 450 people were registered for this empowerment. We have packaged different food items to be handed over to them. This is just the first phase, we will do more of this subsequently, even at a higher scale”.

The choice of those communities was after due consideration by a careful select Committee, putting into consideration all parameters for fairness.

Also speaking, Applistructure Consultant, Ladi Ojo, appreciated the LAWMA boss, for giving them the opportunity to set up the empowerment programme within the Authority’s premises, noting that it is a beneficial way to give back to society.

Two of the beneficiaries, Sanusi Mujidat and Gbade Oyetola, thanked the organisers, imploring other corporate organisations to take a cue from the laudable gesture.

The event was attended by representatives of Otto, Ijora-Olopa, and Ilaje communities, as well as LAWMA officials.

Olushola Okunlade Writes

No fewer than 300 widows benefited from the empowerment program organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), in conjunction with LOTUS Bank.

The event, which was held at the Authority’s Ogudu Zonal Office on Wednesday, had in attendance widows in the employment of LAWMA and other waste service providers in the state.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu prioritised the welfare of widows, adding that empowerment was achieved with his support.

He said, “This is not the first time we will be doing this, we did it during last year’s Ramadan, and by God’s grace,  it is already part of our plans to replicate the same, come this year’s Ramadan.  We cherish you a lot, and the governor does not take your welfare lightly.

“Today, we have the partnership of LOTUS Bank, which has joined us in this progressive train, to take care of your financial needs, as you open accounts with them today. Do not forget to exercise your civic responsibilities during the forthcoming elections, vote for the right candidate, and we will continue to support you,” he said.

The Managing Director of LOTUS Bank, Kafayat Araoye, represented by General Manager, Yemisi Mayagbon, expressed appreciation to the widows for embracing the bank, promising them a robust collaboration for business loans.

While assuring the women of ease and quicker access to their money, especially with the current money crisis at banks, she assured their constant commitment to women’s empowerment.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Tawa Obakoya and Olawunmi Badmus, who received given electronic blenders and food items, thanked the organisers for the initiative, promising their continuous support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Also present at the event were: the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi; Executive Director of LOTUS Bank, Mr. Isiaka Ajani Lawal, Prince Fuad Oloto; LAWMA senior management staff members, among others.

In a related development, Odumboni, at a brief meeting with recyclers and pickers at Olusosun Landfill, described them as the main drivers of the circular economy, urging them to be more committed and supportive of the Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which has prioritised their welfare and ensured they conducted their businesses in a conducive environment

… sweepers show PVCs in readiness to vote

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, has announced that the salaries of sanitation workers in the state have been increased by 20%, as promised by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the recent rally organised by the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) in support of the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Mr. Odumboni made this announcement during a meeting with the sweepers at LAWMA’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, where he also revealed that they would be provided with new work tools such as overalls, boots, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc, which would enable them to discharge their duties effectively, adding that the government is committed to providing the necessary support for the sweepers to carry out their roles efficiently.

He also admonished the sanitation workers to ensure they perform their civic responsibility by voting in the forthcoming elections. He urged them to spread the word to their neighborhoods and to exercise their voting rights, adding that the government was counting on them to make their voices heard through their votes.

The LAWMA boss eulogised the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he said introduced the PSP and street sweeping schemes during his tenure as Lagos State governor, adding that he laid the foundation for effective waste management, which the state is currently benefiting from.

In appreciation of the gesture by the state government, the sweepers, chanting “On your mandate we shall stand” and waving their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in support of Tinubu’s presidential ambition and second term bid of Governor Sanwo-Olu, promised to cast their votes at the elections, expressing their gratitude to the Lagos State Government for remembering them during this period.

This increase in salary and provision of work tools for the sweepers is a positive step towards improving their working conditions and ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively. It is also a clear indication of the government’s commitment to providing support to the hardworking sanitation workers who perform their duties to sanitise the environment.

The news of the increased salaries and provision of work tools has been well received by the sweepers and has generated a lot of positive reactions. Many have praised the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration for its efforts in improving the lives of the sweepers and for recognising their contribution to society.