The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has been named Traffic Management Chief Executive Officer of the Year 2025.

The award was presented at the Razornews Inter-Agency Cooperation Awards & Lecture held on Tuesday at Shoregate Hotel, Ikeja.

Why it matters

The honour recognises leadership that strengthens public mobility, boosts institutional cooperation, and improves road safety in a city where traffic management directly affects millions of daily commuters and the wider Lagos economy.

Officials said the recognition reflects how LASTMA’s operational changes under Mr Bakare-Oki have contributed to safer journeys and enhanced coordination with other agencies handling transport, security, and emergency response.

Bakare-Oki: “A solemn call to deepen our pursuit”

Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Bakare-Oki said it represented a renewed commitment to building a modern traffic system for Lagos.

He described the honour as “a solemn call to deepen our pursuit of a traffic management architecture that is technology-driven, human-centric and globally benchmarked.”

He dedicated the award to LASTMA officers working across Lagos roads, adding that their “steadfast diligence” continues to safeguard mobility and strengthen public trust.

Award organisers praise LASTMA leadership

Razornews Limited said the recognition was based on the LASTMA General Manager’s “exceptional administrative acumen, strategic foresight and unrivalled dedication to inter-agency collaboration.”

According to the award committee, Mr Bakare-Oki’s leadership has “set a new paradigm for harmonious institutional cooperation in the collective quest for a safer, smarter and more orderly Lagos.”

Industry reactions and expert views

Transport analysts say the award highlights the increasing push for collaborative governance in Nigeria’s urban centres.

They argue that Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity relies heavily on unified efforts from traffic authorities, police, emergency responders and transport agencies to manage congestion and ensure safe travel.

A mobility consultant who attended the event told NigeriaUpdates that Lagos “cannot function without strong inter-agency coordination,” adding that recognition like this encourages more accountability.

What happened at the Inter-Agency Cooperation Awards

The 2025 edition convened senior government officials, security agencies, emergency responders, corporate executives, and development experts.

Discussions focused on urban mobility, service delivery, and institutional partnerships, with a key emphasis on improving Lagos’ road infrastructure and commuter experience.

LASTMA: Honour will strengthen commitment to public service

In a statement, LASTMA said the recognition will reinforce its push for professional and humane traffic enforcement.

The agency restated its alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s goal of positioning Lagos as a 21st-century megacity built on orderliness and efficiency.

The statement was issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment.

Nigeria and India have announced plans to expand collaboration across culture, film, music and tourism after a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said the partnership has “immense potential to unlock new opportunities” for Nigeria’s creative economy, one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors.

She described Nigeria as a “cultural powerhouse with global influence,” adding that closer ties with India could boost film co-productions, heritage promotion and audio-visual development.

Musawa also praised India’s global leadership in film and culture.

She said: “Bollywood’s craftsmanship and storytelling traditions have long inspired industries across the world, including Nollywood.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria’s creative industry is now a major contributor to GDP and a global cultural export driven by Nollywood, Afrobeats and a growing tourism sector.

Analysts say stronger ties with India, the world’s largest film producer, could expand training opportunities, unlock foreign investment and open new global markets for Nigerian content.

Bollywood’s influence on African cinema and India’s long-standing diplomatic ties with Nigeria make the partnership strategically significant for both countries.

India Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria

High Commissioner Abhishek Singh said India sees Nigeria as “a valuable cultural and creative partner,” citing the global success of Nollywood and Nigerian music.

He emphasised the strong relationship between both presidents, calling it a “foundation for renewed cooperation.”

Singh added:

“India is ready to explore co-production opportunities, training exchanges, technical support in the audio-visual sector and expanded cultural diplomacy initiatives.”

He noted that both countries share decades of friendly diplomatic engagement and mutual respect.

Industry Reactions

Creative-industry stakeholders say the partnership could lead to new markets for Nigerian filmmakers and musicians.

Media analyst Ijeoma Ndukwe told NigeriaUpdates:

“India has the technical depth, while Nigeria has the global cultural appeal. This partnership, if fully executed, could strengthen both industries.”

Tourism Outlook

Both sides agreed that tourism remains an underexplored area of cooperation.

Officials say plans may include cultural festivals, joint tourism campaigns and heritage exchange programmes.

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Tourism, India remains one of the most visited destinations for Nigerians seeking medical and cultural tourism—an area that could benefit from reciprocal promotion.

What’s Next

Nigeria and India will set up new frameworks to drive collaboration across:

Film co-production

Cultural diplomacy

Creative training exchanges

Tourism development

Audio-visual technology partnerships

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to support innovation, protect cultural heritage and expand job opportunities within the creative sector.

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewing the tenure of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), calling the decision a boost to Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse.

The Council made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Princess Edna Azura, NCWS National President, said the renewal reflects an “endorsement” of Marwa’s impact on public health and national security.

“This renewal is a clear national endorsement of your monumental contributions to national security, public health, women and youth protection,” she said.

“We are confident that your continued leadership will further fortify the nation’s fight against drug trafficking and promote sustainable peace and stability.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria is grappling with a drug use crisis, with the NDLEA estimating that 15 million people are involved in substance abuse.

Women and children often bear the brunt of drug-related violence, economic pressures, and social instability.

NCWS said women-led community action remains one of the most effective tools in drug prevention nationwide.

NCWS: Women Can Help Drive Grassroots Prevention

Princess Azura said Marwa’s leadership has been “transformative.”

She highlighted achievements including dismantling drug networks, record-level seizures, improved intelligence operations, and expanded rehabilitation support.

“These achievements represent hope for millions of families… especially women and children, who often suffer the silent painful consequences of drug-related crime,” she said.

The Council called for joint sensitisation programmes in schools, markets, and communities, as well as the training of women leaders as anti-drug ambassadors.

Azura said NCWS is already mobilising “women, mothers, teachers and community groups” nationwide.

Marwa: ‘Government Cannot Handle It Alone’

Marwa thanked the NCWS for its support and described the organisation as a critical national partner.

“We don’t have any bigger partners than you because you are the mothers handling families all over the country,” he said.

He said the NDLEA views drug abuse as “Nigeria’s number one problem” and welcomed the Council’s offer to collaborate.

Marwa also confirmed that the agency will organise a Drug Use Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) training for NCWS leaders in 2026.

“We will tailor the training to exactly what you need so you can take it down to the states and grassroots,” he added.

He urged the women’s group to support the agency’s push for drug integrity tests for intending couples to aid early detection and treatment.

Industry and Public Reactions

Public health experts say national partnerships with women-led organisations are vital to reducing drug experimentation among teenagers.

Community observers note that mothers often detect early behavioural changes in youths, making NCWS engagement particularly effective.

What’s Next?

NCWS and NDLEA are expected to begin joint planning for nationwide sensitisation campaigns in 2026.

The proposed DPTC training for women leaders may shape a new, community-driven model of drug prevention.