The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has honoured its pioneer Chief Executive Officer and retired Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yemi Odubela, in a special courtesy visit that celebrated his legacy and enduring impact on the agency.
The visit, led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, took place in Lagos and was described as both historic and deeply symbolic.
According to the agency, the event was designed to reconnect with its roots and pay homage to the man whose leadership blueprint gave birth to LASTMA’s operational structure more than two decades ago.
Mr. Bakare-Oki praised Odubela’s pioneering role in laying the foundation for the Authority, noting that his foresight, discipline, and courage remain the bedrock of the agency’s growth.
“The principles you introduced are still etched in LASTMA’s DNA,” he remarked. “They guide our men and officers every day in ensuring safety, order, and innovation in Lagos traffic management.”
As a mark of honour, Bakare-Oki presented a Trooper-on-Bike Commemorative Plaque to the retired Commissioner, symbolizing vigilance, resilience, and service — values LASTMA continues to uphold.
He added prayers for Odubela’s good health and long life, while pledging that the Authority under his leadership would remain faithful to the ideals of integrity and professionalism.
The atmosphere was rich with nostalgia as the visit turned into a moment of reflection on how far the agency has come since its creation in the early 2000s.
Mr. Odubela, visibly touched by the gesture, described the visit as a reaffirmation of institutional memory and continuity.
He urged LASTMA officers to protect the agency’s image by embracing professionalism and shunning acts that could damage public trust.
“Service is not just about wearing the uniform,” he said. “It is about living up to the ideals of discipline and responsibility every day.”
Odubela also commended Mr. Bakare-Oki for steering the Authority back to its glory days, stressing that his leadership has restored public confidence in LASTMA’s mission.
He further expressed gratitude to the then Governor of Lagos State — now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — for giving him the opportunity to pioneer the agency’s creation at a time when traffic management was a major challenge.
“I am glad to see the agency not only survive but thrive, becoming a model for traffic control across Nigeria,” he added.
The visit ended on a note of warmth and celebration, with both the past and present leadership pledging to preserve LASTMA’s legacy of service, order, and discipline in the ever-bustling city of Lagos.
