At a solemn Christian wake, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) bid farewell to the two sanitation workers (sweepers) – Adejoke Adefuye and Afolashade Odufuwa – who lost their lives while sweeping the highway in the Charly Boy area of Gbagada.
Last Monday morning, a Honda saloon car rammed into LAWMA sweepers along Gbagada Expressway while allegedly trying to escape a traffic infringement.
The ceremony, organised at Ladi-Lak Primary School Compound, Bariga, Lagos, had in attendance, family, friends, colleagues, and officials of LAWMA, who gathered to pay their respects, in honour of the memory of Adefuye and Odufuwa.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin eulogised the late sanitation workers for their unalloyed commitment to the authority’s vision of a cleaner and livable environment in the state, for which they paid the ultimate price.
He said: “Words cannot adequately convey the grief we feel for the untimely passing of these dedicated sanitation workers. Adejoke and Afolashade were valued members of our close-knit community, and their exit leaves a big void.
“As we reflect on their service to the state, we are reminded of their diligence, unwavering commitment to keeping the highways clean. Their tireless efforts contributed significantly to maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for us all. Our thoughts are with you, and we want you to know that the entire LAWMA family stands with you during this challenging time”.
Gbadegesin urged the family members and loved ones, to take solace in the fact that the deceased left behind a legacy that will continue to speak for them.
Earlier before the Christian wake, the LAWMA boss had presented cheques to the family, accompanied with a condolence letter, promising that the authority would bear the cost of the burial, slated for Saturday at Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.
Part of the condolence letter read: “We share in your pain and sorrow, and we want you to know that the entire LAWMA family stands with you during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we hope that you find strength and solace in God. May the memories of Adejoke Adefuye and Afolashade Odufuwa serve as a source of inspiration for us all and may their souls rest in eternal peace”.
Among other dignitaries in attendance was the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who consoled the family and loved ones of the deceased. Also in attendance was a representative of the Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Bukola Adedeji, Hon. Wole Diya and other political stalwarts of the constituency.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin said the driver had turned himself in and would be charged to court for manslaughter.
