LASTMA Seeks Greater Role For Religious Leaders In Promoting Road Safety, Traffic Discipline
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has called on religious leaders across the state to intensify advocacy on road safety, responsible driving and strict compliance with traffic regulations, describing faith-based organisations as critical partners in shaping positive attitudes and reducing road crashes.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal during the investiture, rebranding and induction of over 100 LASTMA Mayors (Volunteers), a programme aimed at strengthening the agency’s grassroots engagement strategy and supporting traffic management operations before, during and after the forthcoming Yuletide celebrations.
Bakare-Oki said religious institutions possess significant influence in promoting civic responsibility and behavioural change, stressing that their moral authority and extensive congregational networks could complement government efforts to address traffic indiscipline and reduce road traffic fatalities.
According to him, road safety campaigns should extend beyond government enlightenment programmes and become an integral part of sermons, Friday Jumu’ah services, Sunday worship, fellowship meetings, youth programmes and other religious gatherings.
He urged Christian, Muslim and other religious leaders to consistently educate their congregants on the dangers of excessive speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, distracted driving, indiscriminate parking, obstruction of traffic flow and violations of established traffic laws.
The LASTMA General Manager noted that the protection of human life, a value shared by all major religions, should be reflected in responsible conduct on the roads.
He added that reckless driving and disregard for traffic regulations not only violate the law but also endanger innocent lives and threaten public safety.
Bakare-Oki further stated that achieving sustainable traffic management requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including religious institutions, transport unions, market associations, community development associations and civil society organisations.
He encouraged religious leaders to utilise their communication channels and community outreach platforms to promote key road safety messages, including compliance with speed limits, compulsory use of seat belts, avoidance of one-way driving, observance of traffic signals, respect for pedestrian rights and regular vehicle maintenance.
The General Manager also appealed to members of the public to make greater use of LASTMA’s toll-free emergency short code, 3367, to report road traffic crashes, broken-down vehicles, traffic obstructions and other incidents requiring the agency’s intervention.
He maintained that ensuring safety on Lagos roads is a shared responsibility, adding that government enforcement alone cannot guarantee a safer road environment without the cooperation and commitment of residents.
“The preservation of human life on our highways is a collective moral obligation. A safer Lagos cannot be achieved through governmental enforcement alone; it demands responsible citizenship, spiritual guidance and the collective conscience of society,” Bakare-Oki said.
