In an eloquent affirmation of compassion, institutional appreciation and an unwavering resolve to immortalise sacrifice, the Lagos State Government has disbursed a cumulative sum of ₦40 million as consolatory assistance to the families and dependants of departed officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), gallant heroes and heroines who laid down their lives in the faithful discharge of duty.
The solemn yet impactful presentation, meticulously coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa was held today at the LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi, Lagos. At the ceremony, 20 families and dependants were each presented with the sum of ₦2 million as a demonstration of the State Government’s enduring solidarity and concern.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Giwa cautioned against interpreting the gesture as compensation for loss, emphasising that no financial consideration can ever approximate the sanctity, worth and irreplaceability of human life.
He explained that the support represents a symbolic and tangible acknowledgment of the exceptional gallantry, steadfast devotion to duty, uncommon courage in the face of danger and ultimate sacrifice rendered by the fallen officers in service to Lagos State and humanity at large.
“The Lagos State Government remains resolute in its determination to perpetuate the memory of these valiant men and women. This intervention stands as a clear testament that their sacrifices were neither unnoticed nor unappreciated and that their families will never be left to bear the burden of loss alone,” Hon. Giwa stated, while reaffirming the administration’s people-oriented governance philosophy and its firm commitment to the welfare of public servants and their dependants.
Speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, commended the State Government for embedding empathy and humane consideration as cornerstones of governance.
He observed that the initiative strengthens public trust in government institutions and serves as a moral lodestar for serving officers, assuring them that dedication and sacrifice will always attract honour, recognition and compassionate remembrance.
Earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, delivered a poignant welcome address in which he extolled the fallen officers as indomitable patriots whose legacy of selflessness, discipline and service shall remain perpetually inscribed in the annals of the Authority.
He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his humane leadership and for sustaining a governance culture that accords primacy to human dignity, institutional loyalty and social responsibility.
Adding emotional resonance to the ceremony, the wife of the Pioneer General Manager of LASTMA, Late Engr. Adebayo Adegboayega Coker, offered words of encouragement to the bereaved families, urging them to prudently utilise the financial support towards the education, welfare and holistic development of their children, whom she described as the enduring legacies of fallen heroes.
In an emotionally charged vote of thanks, the wife of Late Adeyemo Rotimi conveyed profound gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on behalf of all beneficiary families and dependants.
She lauded the Governor’s empathy, reassurance and steadfast commitment to ensuring that the memories and sacrifices of their loved ones continue to command honour, dignity and reverence within the Lagos State public service.
The event concluded on a note of sober reflection and renewed institutional commitment, reinforcing the Lagos State Government’s enduring pledge to safeguard the welfare of its workforce and to eternally honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble cause of public service.
Beneficiaries present at the ceremony 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.
