Giwa, however, stressed that the money should not be mistaken for compensation, insisting that no amount could replace human life.
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced the disbursement of ₦40 million to families of officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who died in the line of duty.
At a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi, 20 families were each handed ₦2 million. The event was coordinated by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
Giwa, however, stressed that the money should not be mistaken for compensation, insisting that no amount could replace human life. He described the payment as a symbolic show of solidarity and recognition of the officers’ sacrifice.
“The Lagos State Government remains resolute in its determination to perpetuate the memory of these valiant men and women. This intervention stands as a clear testament that their sacrifices were neither unnoticed nor unappreciated and that their families will never be left to bear the burden of loss alone,” Giwa stated, while reaffirming the administration’s people-oriented governance philosophy and commitment to the welfare of public servants and their dependants.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, praised the initiative, saying it would boost trust in government institutions and reassure serving officers that their dedication would not go unrewarded.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in his remarks, hailed the fallen officers as patriots whose service and discipline would remain etched in the agency’s history. He thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for what he called “humane leadership.”
The widow of the pioneer General Manager of LASTMA, Adebayo Adegboayega Coker, urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely, particularly for the education and welfare of their children.
In a vote of thanks, the wife of the late Adeyemo Rotimi expressed gratitude to the governor on behalf of the families, saying the gesture showed their loved ones’ sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The beneficiaries included Mrs. Coker, Ola Aminat Adepeju, Arogundade Kudirat Oladunni, Adeyemo Silifat Eniola, Falana Felicia Adeola, Bakare Ajoke Fatima, Giwa Hameedat Oyindamola, Dada Adedoyin Rebecca, Akinsemoyin Toheebat Olasunbo, Sanni Esther Oyeyemi, Junaid Oyinlola Deborah, Aladaba Ibrahim Adewunmi, Alimi Mariam Morenike, Omosebi Temitope Jumoke, Alowooye Folashade Mojisola and Shittu Adijat Yetunde.