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IBRAHIM QUADRI
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced an expansion of its night-time traffic management and monitoring operations across key commercial zones, including Lekki-Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and other high-traffic areas within the State.
In a release by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq made the disclosure, saying it is being done in anticipation of the forthcoming New Year festivities.
The statement partly read, “This strategic initiative is designed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular movement within these vital districts, particularly during the holiday season and the subsequent periods of heightened traffic.
“Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, who directly supervised the nocturnal operations, reiterated the Agency’s steadfast dedication to maintaining order and ensuring the seamless progression of traffic throughout the metropolis.”
He confirmed that LASTMA personnel had executed their duties with vigilance, successfully preventing disruptions and ensuring smooth transit along major thoroughfares.
Mr. Bakare-Oki also seized the opportunity to urge motorists to exhibit increased discipline and responsibility while on the roads. He reminded them of the imperative to adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
He equally emphasized that such cooperation is vital to safeguarding the safety of all road users and optimizing the efficacy of the city’s transportation infrastructure, especially in light of the expected surge in both visitors and vehicular traffic during the festive period.
In a related incident, LASTMA Officers operating near the Gbagada Bridge, ascending from Iyana-Oworonsoki, successfully rescued a young woman involved in a severe solo accident.
According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations indicated that all five occupants of the Toyota Matrix (registration JJJ 165 FG) were heavily intoxicated, which led to the driver’s loss of concentration and subsequent collision with a culvert adjacent to the bridge.
The injured woman, suffering from a deep laceration to her left hand, was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility, while security personnel provided support throughout the duration of the rescue operation.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos’ roads remain safe, navigable, and orderly, thereby offering both residents and visitors an unobstructed and smooth experience as they traverse the city’s dynamic streets during the festive season.
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IBRAHIM QUADRI
In a bid to ensure unhindered traffic flow throughout Lagos State during the Yuletide, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given a directive to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to enhance nocturnal traffic monitoring and oversight in strategic areas.
The areas affected include Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah, and other congestion-prone zones across the metropolis.
According to a release by LASTMA Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, “the Governor’s directive prioritizes the immediate clearance of obstructions and incidents that could disrupt vehicular and pedestrian movement, underscoring the administration’s unwavering commitment to facilitating safe and efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike during the festive period.
“In swift compliance with the Governor’s directives, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa had immediately madated the LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki for urgent compliance.
“The LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki in response and compliance has immediately mobilized a formidable team of over 2,500 officers, strategically deployed and equipped with advanced traffic management tools, including heavy-duty and mini towing vehicles, to key locations across the State.
“These Officers will engage in round-the-clock monitoring and execute real-time traffic interventions, particularly in historically congested areas such as Ikoyi, Obalende, Victoria Island, and the Lekki-Ajah axis.”
Commenting on the deployment, Mr. Bakare-Oki affirmed LASTMA’s readiness to implement the Governor’s mandate, ensuring Lagosians enjoy seamless mobility before, during and after the holiday season.
“Our personnel are fully equipped and strategically positioned to promptly address any traffic challenges that may arise. This initiative aligns with the Governor’s vision of a Lagos where mobility remains unhindered throughout the festive period,” he stated.
The General Manager further appealed to residents to cooperate with traffic officials and adhere to established traffic regulations to facilitate smooth operations. He reiterated LASTMA’s steadfast dedication to maintaining order on Lagos roads and providing timely assistance to road users.
The agency further stated, “This proactive intervention by the Lagos State Government reaffirms its unwavering resolve to enhance traffic management and ensure a joyous, stress-free Yuletide season for all.
“Incase of any any urgent report on and traffic related matters across the State, the Lastma Toll Free hotline 080000527862 is available for monitoring public.”
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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has warned pedestrians against crossing the highway following a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of one person in the Onipanu area of the state late Saturday.
LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, made the charge in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Metro on Sunday.
PUNCH Online reported on Sunday that the accident, according to the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, occurred around 9 pm.
Okunbor noted that an eyewitness had narrated that the driver of the vehicle after ramming into the victim, absconded the scene.
He added that upon receiving the report, the LASEMA team swung into action to save the life of the victim who had sustained a head injury.
He however noted that despite the efforts of officials of the Pre-Hospital Care Unit, the victim died as a result of the severe injury sustained.
Okunbor narrated, “Upon arrival of the agency’s Response Team at the incident scene, it was observed that an adult male was hit by a vehicle, registration number unknown, and that the driver of the vehicle absconded with the vehicle immediately after the incident.
“The victim, a yet-to-be-identified adult male, sustained head injuries and was given urgent medical attention by the Agency’s Paramedics from the Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being swiftly transported to the Trauma Centre, Gbagada, for further treatment.
“The yet-to-be-identified adult male victim of the hit-and-run incident died while receiving urgent medical treatment at the Trauma Centre in Gbagada.”
The LASEMA spokesperson noted that the body of the deceased was handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for further action.
“The commodity was bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit office at the Bolade Bus Stop.
Reacting, Taofiq also urged motorists to observe speed limits provided by the state government to prevent recurring road crashes.
He said, “We seize this opportunity to appeal to the motoring public to strictly adhere to speed limit signs installed by the Lagos State Government. Additionally, we urge pedestrians to utilise pedestrian bridges provided by the government at all times.
“The safety of every citizen is the top priority of the government, and the Governor is investing significant resources to ensure overall safety.
“To promote road safety, the government is conducting public education and enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of crossing highways.”
The LASTMA spokesperson condoles with the victim’s family and urged pedestrians to be safety conscious when plying the highway.
PUNCH Metro recalled that on August 19, men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority apprehended a trailer driver involved in a hit-and-run incident in the Anthony Oke area of the state heading towards Oshodi.
Taofiq had disclosed that the driver, operating a trailer owned by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc (registration number JJJ 764 XV), was apprehended after hitting a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the expressway.
The pedestrian was said to have sustained injury, including a broken left leg, and was promptly attended to by personnel from the Lagos State Ambulance Service who transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has sternly cautioned auto dealers in the state against the unauthorised display of vehicles for sale on road setbacks, pedestrian walkways, and other prohibited areas, as this hinders the smooth movement of traffic.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on Wednesday, the General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued this warning to the Lagos Motor Dealers Association during their courtesy visit to the LASTMA office in Oshodi.
The statement revealed that during the visit, Bakare-Oki emphasised the need to maintain order and ensure smooth traffic flow, citing numerous complaints from Community Development Associations about illegal auto dealers’ activities. He highlighted the dangers of illegally placing vehicles on roadsides, streets, and walkways, which risked public safety, hindered pedestrian movement, and worsened traffic congestion.
“The Lagos State Government is dedicated to ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all residents and road users. We will not hesitate to enforce the law against any auto dealer found violating these regulations,” Bakare-Oki asserted.
According to him, LASTMA, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, would strengthen its surveillance, step up enforcement and crack down on offenders by penalising any violator. Auto dealers are, therefore, encouraged to comply with vehicle display guidelines or face penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.
The Lagos Motor Dealers Association President, Prince Leke Aladegbemi, in response, expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with LASTMA and other authorities to ensure their members comply with the regulations. He acknowledged the need for dealers to operate lawfully and pledged to raise awareness about the significance of adhering to the state regulations.
Two persons were rescued in the early hours of Tuesday by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, when a Volkswagen commercial bus loaded with vegetables crashed into a containerised vehicle that had already rammed through a Jersey barrier, at Ojota inward Maryland.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 3:00 am on Tuesday.
An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised, said the Danfo bus coming from Mile 12 rammed into the container at Ojota inward Maryland.
“A danfo bus from Mile 12 ran into a moving trailer at Ojota inward Maryland this morning. It may be because the road is under construction and there’s a diversion just ahead of the accident spot,” he said.
A statement obtained by our correspondent from the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, indicated that the General Manager of the authority, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, accompanied by his men and other responders quickly deployed to the accident scene on learning of the development.
“The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, led his team and other emergency responders in a swift response to a serious multi-vehicle accident at the New Garage by Odo Iya-Alaro area of Ojota, Lagos, early this morning.
“Bakare-Oki confirmed that the accident, which occurred around 3 am, involved a Volkswagen commercial bus loaded with vegetables and a containerized vehicle that had crashed into a Jersey barrier.
“He confirmed further that two victims trapped in the accident, a male and a female, were successfully rescued by LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders.”
He said the accident was particularly alarming due to the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Odo Iya-Alaro bridge.
“The rescued victims were immediately transported to the hospital by the Lagos State Ambulance Service,” he said.
According to him, another loaded tanker also collided with a barrier at the same location very close to the initial accident scene, but fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
“All vehicles involved in the accidents were promptly cleared with the assistance of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit.
“Emergency responders at the scene included personnel from LASTMA, LASEMA, the police, and passersby.
“Bakare-Oki extended his sympathies to the rescued victims and emphasised the importance of safety, urging all motorists, including commercial bus drivers, to avoid speeding during their journeys within or outside Lagos.
A video posted on X.com by LASTMA showed the personnel at the scene of the incident, engaged in a rescue mission while a crowd surrounded the scene.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has compensated the families of some officers who sustained varying degrees of injuries or lost their lives in the line of duty with N21m.
The beneficiaries were compensated during the 24th anniversary of the agency held at the headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos State, on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the donation was in recognition of the beneficiaries’ services in the state.
He extended gratitude on behalf of the entire staff of LASTMA to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his support.
Bakare-Oki said, “I want to especially salute our heroes and heroines who have lost their lives during service. Also, I want to extend appreciation to the management officers who are challenged medically one way or the other. We recognise you, we are with you.
“LASTMA was established on July 13, 2000. We’re here to mark the existence of LASTMA for 24 years of relentless and selfless service to Lagos. Part of the reason for this occasion is to remember our heroes who have departed the agency in the line of duty. We invited their families to let them know that they’re not forgotten.
“Our duty as LASTMA is to make sure we give optimum services to Lagosians. We must at all times, prioritise the interest of Lagosians because they deserve the best. Whatever we do, we should always do it in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 because this is our Holy Bible.”
Speaking further, Bakare-Oki said the digital toll centre was launched last week, adding that the dedicated call-free line was released.
He said, “Also, the walk-in call centre was equally inaugurated. In addition, a new website was pushed out. Likewise, our research and planning department was resuscitated.
“All these were done to improve our services. All these are part of the trajectories of repositioning the agency for better service delivery.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the motoring public to adhere quickly to traffic rules and regulations. This is for them to know that LASTMA is on the road for them to have a better travel and make their journey seamless at all times.”
The Director of Welfare Matters, LASTMA, Morayo Ojeniyi, said the celebration would be for a week, adding that a medical outreach would be done in partnership with the Lagos State Medical Doctors Guild.
“This event will be an annual event. Throughout this week, we are going to have a medical outreach for all our staff members in conjunction with the Lagos State Medical Doctors Guild.
“We have a long-week programme with them tomorrow (Tuesday) in Oshodi, next tomorrow in Agege, and on Thursday, we’re going to Ikorodu,” Ojeniyi said.
One of the beneficiaries, Bashiru Bakare, appreciated LASTMA and the government for the kind gesture.
Another beneficiary, who did not mention his name for personal reasons, while thanking the government and the agency, said he sustained an injury in the line of duty in a car accident involving smugglers sometime in August 2022.