LASTMA HONOURS OFFICER OLATUNFE OLUWOLE JOHN WITH PRESTIGIOUS MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY HUMANITY AND UNMATCHED PROFESSIONAL DEDICATION.
The Management and entire workforce of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today assembled in an atmosphere of dignified pride and collective admiration to celebrate Mr. Olatunfe Oluwole John, a Senior Traffic Officer attached to Zone 20 (PWD, Lagos), who has been fittingly crowned “LASTMA Man of the Year 2025” in recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, profound compassion and rare devotion to duty.
Speaking during the celebratory ceremony, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that the honour was conferred following the officer’s extraordinary exhibition of empathy, professionalism and lifesaving intervention while carrying out his statutory responsibilities along the BRT corridor by PWD on the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.
According to the General Manager, Officer Olatunfe distinguished himself by courageously assuming the critical role of a first responder during a harrowing road traffic incident involving a commercial scooter rider and a female pedestrian, who reportedly went into severe convulsions immediately after the impact.
“His unwavering dedication to duty, humane disposition and prompt, effective service delivery have not gone unnoticed. His selfless intervention elicited widespread public commendation and attracted resounding accolades across various social media platforms,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated.
Recounting the incident, it was recalled that upon witnessing the accident, Officer Olatunfe reacted with remarkable alacrity, administering immediate first aid to the distressed victim in a bid to stabilise her condition.
He further exemplified exceptional initiative by securing a tricycle to convey both the injured woman and the scooter rider to Mayfair Hospital, Agege, where he remained resolutely by her side. In a rare and deeply moving demonstration of compassion that transcended the call of official duty, the officer reportedly prayed fervently for the victim’s recovery while ensuring she received urgent medical attention.
Unaware that his altruistic actions were being documented, an onlooker recorded the episode and shared the footage on social media, where it gained considerable traction and ultimately drew the attention of the LASTMA General Manager.
Further underscoring his integrity and profound sense of responsibility, Officer Olatunfe was said to have utilised the victim’s mobile phone to contact her family members, ensuring that her father and siblings were promptly notified and present at the hospital before he responsibly returned to his duty post.
He equally ensured accountability by compelling the scooter rider to assume full responsibility for the incident, including the settlement of all medical expenses incurred during the victim’s treatment.
In acknowledgement of this extraordinary conduct, the Management of LASTMA not only issued a formal letter of commendation but also promoted Officer Olatunfe from his former role as a Choke Point Officer to the position of 2nd Bravo, Zone 20, in addition to the presentation of a cash reward.
Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasised that the recognition and promotion were deliberately instituted to reinforce the Authority’s core values and to motivate other officers to emulate such exemplary conduct.
“This honour is designed to send an unequivocal message across the Agency that excellence, integrity, compassion and outstanding service delivery will always be recognised and rewarded. Officer Olatunfe epitomises the very essence of LASTMA’s mandate to safeguard lives and ensure orderly road usage,” he concluded.
The celebration of LASTMA Man of the Year 2025 therefore stands as a compelling testament to the Authority’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, human dignity and the promotion of exemplary conduct within the Lagos traffic management ecosystem.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
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