Street sweepers protest over poor remuneration in Ekiti

Street sweepers employed by the Ekiti State Government on Tuesday took to the street of Ado- Ekiti, the state capital to protest the alleged poor attention of the government to their welfare.

The protesters numbering about 200 chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with various inscriptions bearing their minds and agitations.

The women took their protest to the office of the wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi in Fajuyi area where they raised an alarm of “Save Our Souls”.

One of the protesters, who identified herself as Funke Olaoye alleged that the Ekiti State Waste Management Board was paying lip service to their welfare.

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She said, “The administrator has been paying us the sum of five thousand naira as against the ten thousand naira pronounced by government.

“The five thousand naira is not even enough to cater for our transportation let alone feeding and other needs.

“Out of the five thousand naira, some officials of the board often deduct some amount on the excuse of absenteeism.”

Olaoye added that they have been responsible for the provision of all necessary materials utilized for the discharge of the sweeping services, noting that government had failed to give them kits that could prevent them from contracting diseases.

Addressing the protesters, wife of the governor sympathized with the women and promised to take up their issue with the governor for immediate action.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Waste Management board, Mr Adebayo Kelekun pleaded with the women to show more understanding with the government.

He promised to also reach out to the governor, assuring that all issues raised would be adequately addressed by the government.