The award ceremony, put together by Unifeed Project
Initiative (UPI) in conjunction with Access Bank Plc. was to appreciate
workers, particularly uniformed personnel.
The Lead Sponsor of Unifeed Project Initiative, Mojibade
Sosanya said the vision for the initiative was born out of passion she
witnessed in April, 2021 when she saw LASTMA officers and other uniformed
personnel on a very sunny day managing and controlling traffic across Lagos
irrespective of the heat.
She stated that LASTMA
officials had also rescued her when her vehicle broke down at night in a
place where she could have easily been robbed.
According to her, “LASTMA officers were like angels sent to
help me when I could have gotten robbed when my car broke down at night. They
assisted me to push my car to a distant place beyond the danger zone. This led
to the thought of appreciating uniformed men for their dedication and
commitments.”
She said among other uniformed personnel picked for public
consideration, Tonode emerged first with the highest number of votes to win the
award.
The General Manager of LASTMA was represented at the event
by Mr Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment and Mr
Mabifa Oluwatosin, (LASTMA Zonal Head).
Adebayo disclosed that despite the risk associated with
controlling and managing traffic, this would be the second time in a space of
few weeks that officers of the agency would be recognised, appreciated and rewarded
for being dedicated to work.
He acknowledged the award as a well-deserved one, saying
that traffic management across the State is becoming technologically driven
with the distribution of new 500 Traffic Management Solution (TMS) handheld
devices to LASTMA personnel by the present government.
Adebayo disclosed further that physical contact with traffic
violators would be drastically reduced during traffic enforcement as these
newly deployed ‘TMS’ hand-held cameras would ensure transparency by capturing
real-time video/photograph of violations as evidence to be presented before the
court.
Also speaking at the event, the Unit Head, Strategic
Communication, Events and Sponsorship of Access Bank Plc, Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu
said that it was not difficult latching on to the initiative as part of
Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) that would encourage other uniformed
personnel to do more in serving the public.
In his remarks, Tonode, thanked the organisers for the award
in recognition of his service to the public.
He also expressed his appreciation to the management of
LASTMA for creating a conducive environment for its officers.
Tonode also promised to be more dedicated to duties.