LASTMA inaugurates over 100 traffic mayors ahead of festive season

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has inaugurated over 100 volunteer traffic ambassadors, known as LASTMA Mayors, to strengthen grassroots participation in traffic management and promote road safety ahead of the Ember Months and December festivities.

The initiative is aimed at complementing the agency’s operations through community-based traffic advocacy, motorists’ enlightenment and the promotion of voluntary compliance with traffic regulations amid anticipated increase in vehicular movement during the festive period.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated this on Thursday during the investiture, rebranding and induction ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said effective traffic management should not be left solely to government agencies, stressing that citizens and community stakeholders had important roles to play in maintaining orderliness on the roads.

He explained that the newly inaugurated Mayors would serve as community liaison ambassadors, using their influence and connections with residents, transport operators, market leaders and other stakeholders to promote responsible motoring and traffic discipline.

According to him, the initiative would complement the statutory responsibilities and field operations of uniformed LASTMA personnel, particularly during the expected increase in traffic activities in the coming months.

The LASTMA boss also called on Christian and Muslim religious leaders to support the agency’s road safety campaign by incorporating messages on responsible driving and pedestrian safety into sermons and other religious programmes.

He urged religious leaders to caution their congregations against driving against traffic, excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, indiscriminate parking and other traffic violations that could result in accidents, loss of lives and destruction of property.

Bakare-Oki further advised motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly, particularly their braking systems, tyres, steering mechanisms and lighting components, noting that roadworthiness was essential to preventing avoidable accidents.

He warned that the excitement and social activities associated with the festive season should not encourage reckless driving or disregard for traffic regulations, urging motorists to exercise patience, restraint and vigilance.

Meanwhile, the Director of Traffic Advocacy and Special Mayors, Mr Awoyemi Jimmy, said LASTMA would intensify traffic deployment, operational surveillance, public enlightenment and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure smoother movement and pedestrian safety across major transportation corridors during the festive period.

He described the volunteer structure as an additional platform for strengthening public engagement and encouraging voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the State Mayors of Traffic, Mr Tajudeen Othman, pledged the commitment of the inaugurated Mayors to working with LASTMA and the state government to promote traffic awareness and responsible road use across their respective communities.

He assured that the volunteers would discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and cooperation with members of the public.