An officer of the Lagos State Traffic
Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Muibi Ademola, has earned widespread praise after rejecting a ₦20,000 cash offer from a motorist who attempted to reward him for his efficiency and professionalism in managing traffic around the Ago–Ibiwoye axis of Okota, Lagos.
The act, which was reported by The Nation newspaper on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, has since drawn admiration from the management of LASTMA and members of the public, who hailed it as a rare display of integrity in public service.
According to the report, Officer Ademola, identified by his call sign “Bravo 27,” was alerted by a motorist about a growing traffic gridlock along the busy Ago–Ibiwoye corridor. Without hesitation, the officer sprang into action, directing vehicles, clearing obstructions, and restoring order to the chaotic stretch within minutes.
Impressed by the officer’s promptness and commitment, the motorist reportedly offered him a ₦20,000 token in appreciation for his efforts. But in a move that has since earned him commendation, Ademola declined the offer, explaining that he was merely doing his job as a public servant of Lagos State.
“I am paid by the government to serve,” the officer was quoted as saying. “There’s no need to collect money for doing what I am employed to do.” His response has since gone viral as an example of integrity in action.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep admiration for Officer Ademola’s moral uprightness, describing it as a testament to the agency’s renewed commitment to ethics and professionalism.
Bakare-Oki lauded the officer for upholding the highest standards of conduct, adding that his action was a reflection of the discipline and transparency that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration continues to promote across the public sector.
“This is the kind of behavior we expect from every LASTMA officer,” the General Manager said. “Officer Ademola’s gesture reinforces the values of honesty, accountability, and public trust that define our mission.”
He explained that the agency has been undergoing a moral and ethical reawakening, aimed at restoring the dignity of traffic law enforcement officers and rebuilding public confidence in their work. According to him, stories like Ademola’s demonstrate that positive change is not only possible but already taking root.
The LASTMA boss further urged all officers to emulate Ademola’s conduct by demonstrating integrity and fairness in their daily duties. “The true measure of leadership,” he noted, “is not in power, but in character. Officer Ademola has shown the kind of character that gives public institutions their moral strength.”
He assured that the agency would continue to celebrate and reward personnel whose actions enhance the image of LASTMA and reflect the Lagos State Government’s dedication to service excellence.
Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed the management’s commitment to continuous training, ethical reorientation, and capacity development. He said these initiatives are part of a broader effort to instill discipline, civility, and professionalism in the agency’s workforce.
“Our officers are not just traffic controllers,” he added. “They are ambassadors of order and safety in Lagos. Through training and leadership, we are building a corps of professionals the public can respect and trust.”
In his reaction, Officer Muibi Ademola expressed gratitude to the LASTMA management for creating a work environment that rewards integrity and professionalism. He credited the agency’s recent training programmes for shaping his sense of duty and strengthening his ethical resolve.
He also thanked the Lagos State Government for its continued support, citing improvements in logistics, uniforms, and welfare provisions that have boosted morale and efficiency among field officers. “When you are treated with dignity,” he said, “you naturally reflect it in your work.”
The story of Officer Ademola has since resonated beyond the streets of Lagos, serving as a powerful reminder that integrity remains the foundation of effective public service. In a city where traffic is both a daily challenge and a test of character, his simple act of honesty has become a beacon of hope for the future of ethical governance
