The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has marked its 25th anniversary with the grand finale of a statewide inter-school essay competition, aimed at engaging young minds in the future of traffic management in the state.
Held at the SUBEB Hall, Maryland, the event formed part of activities leading to the 2nd Lagos Traffic Conference scheduled for 15 July 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The competition, under the Lagos State Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP), brought together students from public and private secondary schools across Lagos to present forward-looking ideas on sustainable traffic solutions.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, praised the initiative for stimulating civic engagement among young Lagosians. He said the competition was more than an academic contest, describing it as “a transformative platform for amplifying the voices of future city-shapers.”
He revealed that the finalists displayed impressive analytical insight and creativity in their essays, which were assessed by a panel of judges comprising academics, policy experts, and transportation professionals.
The top three winners will be formally recognised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the upcoming traffic conference.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Oluwa Musa, commended the students for their thoughtful contributions and urged them to continue excelling academically while embodying the values of Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, LASTMA General Manager Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of involving young people in traffic discourse.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s transport architects. Cultivating their awareness and responsibility early is key to building a road culture rooted in order and empathy,” he said.
He described the essay competition as a cornerstone of LASTMA’s broader strategy to promote traffic safety through education and public engagement. He added that the initiative aligns with this year’s conference theme, “Rethinking Urban Mobility: A Strategic Blueprint for a Safer Lagos.”
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s central role in Lagos’ transportation strategy, highlighting the agency’s continued commitment to innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and behavioural change.
“This milestone engagement with our youth signals a decisive step toward institutionalising a sustainable traffic culture in Lagos,” he added.
