LASG disburses ₦40m in consolatory assistance to families, dependants of fallen LASTMA heroes, heroines

Stanley Ihedigbo

In a profound demonstration of compassion, institutional gratitude and an enduring resolve to honour sacrifice, the Lagos State Government has disbursed a total sum of ₦40 million as consolatory assistance to the families and dependents of deceased officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), gallant men and women who paid the ultimate price in the faithful discharge of their duties.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the solemn but dignified ceremony, coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, was held at the LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi, where 20 families and dependants each received the sum of ₦2 million as a tangible expression of the State Government’s solidarity and concern.

Addressing beneficiaries and guests, Hon. Giwa cautioned against viewing the gesture as compensation for loss, stressing that no monetary value can ever equate the sanctity and irreplaceable worth of human life.

He explained that the financial support symbolises the government’s acknowledgement of the exceptional gallantry, devotion to duty, uncommon courage and ultimate sacrifice rendered by the fallen officers in service to Lagos State and humanity.

“The Lagos State Government remains steadfast in its determination to perpetuate the memory of these brave men and women. This intervention is a clear assurance 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.

He reaffirmed the people-oriented governance philosophy of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and its firm commitment to the welfare of public servants and their dependants.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, commended the initiative, describing it as a reflection of empathy and humane governance.

According to him, the intervention strengthens public confidence in government institutions and serves as a moral encouragement to serving officers, assuring them that dedication, courage and sacrifice will always attract honour, recognition and compassionate remembrance.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extolled the fallen officers as indomitable patriots whose legacy of discipline, selflessness and service would remain permanently etched in the history of the Authority.

He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining a governance culture that prioritises human dignity, institutional loyalty and social responsibility.

Adding emotional depth to the ceremony, the wife of the Pioneer General Manager of LASTMA, Late Engr. Adebayo Adegboayega Coker encouraged the bereaved families to prudently deploy the financial support towards the education, welfare and holistic development of their children, whom she described as the enduring legacies of the fallen heroes.

In an emotionally laden vote of thanks, the wife of Late Adeyemo Rotimi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu on behalf of all beneficiary families.

She praised the Governor’s empathy, reassurance and unwavering 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 ceremony ended on a note of sober reflection and renewed institutional resolve, reinforcing the Lagos State Government’s enduring pledge to safeguard the welfare of its workforce and eternally honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble cause of public service.