Lagos State Government disburses ₦40m to families of fallen LASTMA officers, reaffirming commitment to welfare, sacrifice, and humane governance.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of public servants with the disbursement of ₦40 million to families of officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who lost their lives while on duty.
The gesture, officials say, reflects the state’s resolve to recognise sacrifice, honour service, and stand with families affected by the risks associated with public duty.
The financial support was presented at a solemn ceremony held at the headquarters of LASTMA in Oshodi, where 20 bereaved families each received ₦2 million.
The event was coordinated by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, and attended by top government officials, agency leadership, and family members of the fallen officers.
Addressing attendees, Giwa made it clear that the funds should not be interpreted as compensation for loss of life.
According to him, no amount of money can equate to the value of a human life, particularly those who served the state with dedication and courage.
Instead, he described the payment as a symbolic expression of solidarity and an acknowledgment of the officers’ sacrifices under the banner of LASTMA.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu remains committed to people-centred governance, especially in ensuring that families of deceased public servants are not abandoned.
Giwa noted that the intervention serves as a reminder that the state does not forget those who laid down their lives in the course of duty.
“The Lagos State Government is determined to preserve the memory of these brave men and women.
‘This support is a clear message that their sacrifices were recognised and that their families will not be left alone to shoulder the burden of loss,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, also commended the initiative, describing it as a confidence-building measure for workers across the transport sector.
He explained that such actions strengthen trust in government institutions and assure serving officers that their commitment will always be acknowledged.
According to Musa, agencies like LASTMA operate in high-risk environments, often dealing with traffic congestion, enforcement challenges, and road safety hazards.
He added that recognising fallen officers reinforces morale and underscores the government’s responsibility to protect the welfare of its workforce, both in service and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, paid tribute to the deceased officers, describing them as patriots who served Lagos State with discipline, professionalism, and courage.
He noted that their legacy would remain permanently embedded in the history of the agency.
Bakare-Oki praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for what he termed humane and responsive leadership, stating that the administration has continued to prioritise the welfare of traffic officers despite the challenges associated with urban transportation management in a mega city like Lagos.
In an emotional moment, the widow of the pioneer General Manager of LASTMA, Adebayo Adegboayega Coker, addressed the beneficiaries.
She urged them to apply the funds wisely, particularly towards the education, health, and general well-being of their children.
She described the government’s gesture as reassuring and encouraging during a difficult period.
A vote of thanks was delivered by the wife of the late Adeyemo Rotimi, who spoke on behalf of all beneficiary families.
She expressed deep appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government, stating that the support demonstrated that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not fade into obscurity.
The beneficiaries of the disbursement included Mrs. Coker, Ola Aminat Adepeju, Arogundade Kudirat Oladunni, Adeyemo Silifat Eniola, Falana Felicia Adeola, Bakare Ajoke Fatima, Giwa Hameedat Oyindamola, Dada Adedoyin Rebecca, Akinsemoyin Toheebat Olasunbo, Sanni Esther Oyeyemi, Junaid Oyinlola Deborah, Aladaba Ibrahim Adewunmi, Alimi Mariam Morenike, Omosebi Temitope Jumoke, Alowooye Folashade Mojisola, and Shittu Adijat Yetunde.
Observers say the intervention highlights a broader policy direction aimed at strengthening institutional welfare frameworks within Lagos State.
For many, it reinforces the idea that agencies such as LASTMA are not only essential to traffic control and road safety, but are also made up of individuals whose lives and families matter beyond their uniforms.
As Lagos continues to expand and face increasing transportation demands, officials insist that the sacrifices of traffic officers will remain recognised, and that the welfare of serving and fallen personnel will continue to receive government attention.
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