For the first time since the creation of LASTMA, promotion is being done publicly for its officers. Also, there has never been a time, the hard working officers were recognized nor given awards.
However, the situation changed on November 21, 2016 when the able, hardworking and efficient Lagos East LASTMA commander, Mrs. Giwa Latifat Olaitan decided not only to promote outstanding officers but also to recognize others with awards.
Mrs. Giwa herself, an upright and dedicated woman officer has been noticed all over the state by motorists for her efficient ways of handling stubborn motorists, especially the danfo drivers.
However, on the award day, which witnessed more than two hundred guests, the following officers were promoted for outstanding performance in their respective locations. They are Olaniran Kehinde, Sonaiki Kehinde, Obadimu Mutiu, Ogunjobi Modupe, Coker M., Oduwole A.A., A. O. Okunsoga, Fagbemi A, Akomolade M. R, Soares H., Dubajo O, Ogunnaike T, Olakunle S, Omovbude R. among others.
Not only that, some officers were given awards for productivity. Overall, fifteen officers were promoted while the following Obadimu Mutiu O., Adeshina Mukaila, Amusa Dauda, Ayoade Abeeden, Ogunaiki Taiwo, Odubanjo Kehinde, Adegbuyi Sunday, Saka Bilikisu, Olowonijaye Lukman, Mustapha Kazeem, Ilori Olajide, Oguntayo Ahmed O. among other were given awards.
Mrs. Giwa, while delivering her speech said that they were given awards based on the public perception of them while working on the road and tasked the awardees and those promoted to work harder since they were being celebrated based on the forgoing and the recognition of their superiors.
She said, when officers are promoted, they have attained certain heights and they are expected to make a change because she has made a change in the past too and has decided to decorate hard working officers.
She told them to realise that they were being watched by the public and asked other LASTMA officers present to gear up so that they would be nominated in the next round.
In her words, “LASTMA in Lagos State has broken records through the traffic management.” She promised not to relent in her efforts in maintaining this insight and promoting officers dedicated to their duties.
While Speaking to Oriwu Sun after the ceremony, one of their awardees, Amusa Dauda said, “I am very happy and grateful because what is happening today has never happened in the history of LASTMA in Lagos State. The way our commander and officials have spoken today concerning our primary assignment really motivated me and I have had to do better than before.
“My message to my colleagues is that they should be good Ambassadors and be merciful to the members of the public and also have it at the back of their minds that people are watching them, hence we should always endeavour to carry out our primary assignments relentlessly.”
Other dignitaries, who chaired the occasion with the area commander were Engr. Oluyede, Area Commander VIS Ikorodu North; Mr. Animasaun , More Blessing Transporter Ikorodu; Mr. Anjorin O. Sakiru, Deputy controller Lagos East; Mr. Sakiru Omolaja, Lawyer; Mr. Taiwo Eko road commander Ikorodu; Olabisi Sowemimo Area Commander, Civil Defence and Elder Laja Martins.