The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), in partnership with Autoglobe Media Services and Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS), has rewarded 25 professional drivers for displaying a high level of discipline and decorum behind the wheels during its 2021 Drivers’ Appreciation Day and Award ceremony.
The Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, in his address at the event held at Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Agindingbi, Ikeja, recently stated that the ceremony was an attestation to the Lagos State Government’s commitment towards training, encouraging and motivating professional drivers, who have made safety their watchword, in the public and private sector.
Dr. Oladeinde congratulated the Awardees, noting that transportation is fundamental to the realisation of the State’s megacity status. He said this prompted the present administration to embark on the development of a multi-modal transport system such as road, water and rail to improve the level of services in terms of comfort, safety and frequency as well as providing reasonable and affordable fares convenient for Lagosians.
In his words: “Although most crashes are unintended and unexpected, some could have been prevented by a difference in drivers’ behaviour. As such, the Lagos State Government will be relentless in its effort at reducing road traffic accidents and road congestion that can lead to man-hour loss, through adequate drivers’ training, retraining and re-certification”.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka, said that the role of drivers in Lagos State cannot be overemphasised as mobility is key to achieving set goals and vision.
While advising the drivers to have a growth mindset, the Special Adviser noted that for the society to change its perception about drivers, Professional Drivers also need to start exhibiting a positive character that will give their chosen profession a positive image.
Fayinka, however, implored the organisers of the event to work towards hosting subsequent events at different motor parks and garages across the State in order to give the drivers a sense of belonging and foster a better relationship between the government and the motoring public.
In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Drivers’ Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, explained that the Institute decided to partner with Autoglobe Media Services and Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS) to host this year’s event in a bid to celebrate the efforts of trained professional drivers, who have been of good support to the economic growth and development of Lagos State.
She further disclosed that the award ceremony is also to appreciate the drivers’ contributions to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration’s first pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which is Traffic Management and Transportation, and to let the professional drivers know that the Lagos State Government is interested in their well-being and conduct.
Tiamiyu counselled all stakeholders, who supported the event, not to see it as the end of their participation but as the beginning of a fruitful partnership with the government for mutual benefits and to fast track major developments in the transport sector.
Speaking in a similar vein, the MD/CEO of Autoglobe Media Services, Mr. Tunde Bola Ojo, said that a community can never survive without drivers as they serve as blood on which economic growth and development strives.
He added that the award ceremony will act as a catalyst to draw commitment from professional drivers, compliance with all the rules and regulations governing the transportation sector and making the roads safer for the motoring public.
Also speaking at the event, the MD/CEO, Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Services, Mr. Segun Obayendo, who was represented by Mrs. Precious Ademoroti, informed that there is no price too high to pay for safety and that the safety of all road users is the paramount concern of LACVIS, hence the need for the partnership.
While appreciating the Lagos State Government for the laudable initiative, he restated the commitment of LACVIS to ensuring that all vehicles on Lagos roads are roadworthy and safe.
