Tayo Akanle inducted as LASTMA Special Traffic Mayor

The General Manager of Lagos Traffic Radio, Tayo Akanle, has been inducted as a Special Traffic Mayor of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), becoming the first head of a government agency to receive the honour.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the induction recognizes Akanle’s and Lagos Traffic Radio’s ongoing contributions to transportation advocacy and road safety. Bakare-Oki was represented at the event by the Director of Advocacy and Special Traffic Mayor Department, Jimi Awoyemi.

Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, including permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and parastatals, and well-meaning individuals, in assisting the government to ensure effective traffic management and control.

He noted that Special Traffic Mayors act as the eyes and ears of the government across the state by providing real-time updates on the conduct of officers, road users, and traffic situations.

In his remarks, Akanle expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed upon him and the station, saying it would inspire him and his team to do more in supporting the state government’s efforts to make roads safer, in line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

He added that Lagos Traffic Radio also offers travel advisories on other modes of transportation, including waterways, rail, and air travel, leveraging technology and online platforms.

Akanle appealed to LASTMA leadership to consider inducting more individuals into the programme, especially those within the station who have dedicated over a decade to helping Lagosians plan their daily journeys. He suggested giving them leadership roles that would further strengthen their commitment to achieving a traffic-free Lagos.

The highlight of the brief ceremony was the decoration of Akanle with the Special Traffic Mayor uniform and the presentation of the official manual—popularly known as the “Holy Book”—which outlines the history, responsibilities, and legal framework of the Special Traffic Mayor initiative.