The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully concluded a two-day leadership retreat aimed at refining the strategic competencies of its senior officers in transport management.
Themed “Strategic Leadership for Effective Traffic Management in Lagos,” the event was held at the Colossus Lagos, Ikeja, on Thursday and Friday.
Speaking at the retreat’s closing ceremony, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, emphasized the importance of proactive planning in tackling the challenges experienced during the 2024 Yuletide season.
Giwa stated, “Failing to plan is planning to fail. Reflecting on the hurdles we faced last year, particularly during the December festivities, we recognized the need for a comprehensive, strategic approach to traffic management. This retreat allows us to equip our senior officers with the tools to ensure smoother and more efficient road journeys for Lagosians.”
He further highlighted that the core responsibility of LASTMA lies in incident and crisis management, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation and leadership.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the agency’s commitment to human capital development, noting its significance in reshaping public perception and enhancing operational efficiency.
According to Bakare-Oki, “Globally, the cornerstone of any effective system is human capacity development. Over the past three to four years, we’ve prioritized training, retraining, and reorientation to address public concerns and reposition the agency. This retreat is a vital step in rebranding LASTMA and fostering professionalism among our officers.”
He added, “Our mission is to safeguard the economic vitality of Lagos by ensuring road safety and reducing travel time for all road users. We are resolute in our commitment to creating accident-free roads across the state.”
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Ponnle Ajibola, who served as a resource person during the retreat, underscored the importance of agility, collaboration, and decisiveness in managing transport crises.
“LASTMA must adopt a proactive and collaborative approach to crisis management. Leaders must be flexible, engage widely with stakeholders, and build cohesive teams to leverage collective expertise in decision-making,” Ajibola remarked.
One of the participants, Senior Traffic Officer Abimbola Kensington, shared her reflections on the training: “This retreat has been an eye-opener. I’ve gained insights into effective delegation and empowering junior officers to contribute meaningfully, which will undoubtedly enhance my decision-making.”
The retreat reaffirmed LASTMA’s dedication to ensuring seamless mobility, fostering economic growth, and promoting road safety across Lagos State.
