The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of ₦40 million to families and dependants of officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The disbursement, coordinated by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, took place on Wednesday at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi. A total of 20 families benefited from the initiative, with each receiving ₦2 million as consolatory assistance.
Addressing beneficiaries and officials at the event, Giwa stressed that the payment should not be regarded as compensation, noting that no amount of money could adequately replace a human life. Rather, he described the gesture as a symbolic recognition of the courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of the fallen officers in service to Lagos State and its residents.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting families of officers who paid the supreme price while carrying out their duties.
According to him, the sacrifices of the deceased personnel would not be forgotten, and their families would not be abandoned to bear the burden of loss alone.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, said the initiative would help to strengthen public confidence in government institutions, adding that it sends a clear message to serving officers that commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice would always be acknowledged and honoured by the state.
In his remarks, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the deceased officers as patriots whose discipline and dedication would remain permanently etched in the history of the agency.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for promoting a governance culture that places high value on human dignity and selfless public service.
The wife of LASTMA’s pioneer General Manager, Adebayo Adegboayega Coker, advised beneficiaries to deploy the funds prudently, particularly towards the education and long-term welfare of their children.
Similarly, the wife of the late Adeyemo Rotimi, speaking on behalf of all affected families, expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that the gesture dignified the memory and sacrifices of their loved ones.
LASTMA, established in July 2000, plays a critical role in managing traffic flow, enforcing road safety regulations, and reducing accidents across Lagos.
Officers of the agency routinely face occupational hazards, including attacks by unruly motorists and dangers associated with congested roads, making the assignment both demanding and, at times, life-threatening.