As the festive season of Yuletide approaches in Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has initiated a significant sensitisation program aimed at promoting road safety and reducing traffic accidents across the state. This initiative, led by the Female Elite Corps of LASTMA, commenced with an outreach to various parks and garages in notable areas such as Ojota, Ketu, and Mile 12. The focus of this program is educational, targeting drivers with vital messages about road safety measures tailored to optimize safety and compliance with traffic regulations, especially during a bustling holiday period when road usage typically spikes.
During a media briefing at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi, General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the critical role of transportation in Lagos’s dynamic economy. He noted that the organization is dedicated to monitoring transportation for goods and services, aiming to facilitate a seamless transit environment that contributes positively to the state’s economic growth. Bakare-Oki also highlighted the agency’s primary goal of reducing road crashes by ensuring that road users strictly follow established traffic rules and prioritize safety. The Female Elite Corps, comprising female officers, is making targeted visits across the state’s five divisions to disseminate these important safety messages.
Bakare-Oki further reminded the public of the importance of routine vehicle maintenance and safety awareness, asserting that life is invaluable. He underscored the agency’s commitment to mobilizing both human and material resources to enhance road safety for the people of Lagos. The program is structured not only as an awareness campaign but also as a proactive measure to ensure that the integrated transportation network is effectively utilized. LASTMA aims to deploy personnel and equipment strategically to maintain fluid traffic movement and address any challenges that may arise on roadways.
The collaboration between LASTMA and transport unions has been a vital component in enhancing road safety. Akeem Akintayo, the Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the Ojota branch, acknowledged the positive impact of LASTMA’s consistent sensitisation efforts. The ongoing training initiatives by LASTMA have reportedly led to a significant reduction in traffic accidents among union members, reinforcing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in promoting road safety. Akintayo regards various traffic management officials as partners in achieving shared safety goals.
In line with its outreach efforts, LASTMA’s program touches various aspects of the transport sector, particularly commercial driving. By empowering drivers with knowledge and reinforcing traffic safety protocols, LASTMA aims to foster a culture of responsibility on Lagos roads. With the festive season seeing an increase in vehicular traffic, the agency’s proactive initiative is poised to make a meaningful impact on road safety, ensuring that both drivers and passengers can navigate the city’s roads with greater confidence and security.
Overall, LASTMA’s sensitisation initiative is a crucial step toward fostering a safer driving environment in Lagos as the Yuletide period approaches. Through education, collaboration, and strategic resource deployment, the agency aims not only to cut down on road crashes but also to engage the community in ongoing road safety efforts. By prioritizing these measures, LASTMA hopes to enhance the overall effectiveness of the transportation system in Lagos and safeguard the lives of all road users during this busy time of year.
