By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, inDrive, recently rewarded some of its drivers for being active in the month of Ramadan.

The company, through a recently concluded weeklong campaign tagged inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja, showered gift items on its drivers.

inDrive said the campaign fostered a deeper connection with its driver community, reaffirming its mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.

It underscored the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.

The platform, it was learned, recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers.

The drivers were given thoughtfully curated hampers and other items, symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.

They were chosen after remaining online and consistently completing rides during the period for a special contest recognizing their dedication.

Speaking on the campaign, the Country Representative of inDrive in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, said, “At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan.”

“This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” he added.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Lagos ​State government has promised to put in place stronger safety measures after a gas tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge on Tuesday night.

The incident reportedly claimed two lives and destroyed some properties in the area, including vehicles and buildings.

Reacting to the explosion, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed the regret of the state government over the widespread damage and disruption caused by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with those affected, and we commend the swift response of emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles.

“The Ministry of Transportation is also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.

Mr Osiyemi called on “all transport operators to uphold the highest safety standards and cooperate with government efforts to safeguard lives and property,” saying, “Lagos remains committed to a safer, more resilient transport system for all.”

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified its Lagos State School Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LSTSAP) under the visionary initiative tagged Operation Catch Them Young.

This is part of the agency’s strategic moves to inculcate traffic discipline and awareness from an early age. It was crafted to foster a profound understanding of road safety principles while mitigating traffic-related hazards.

This initiative, which was recently re-launched, has been reinvigorated to ensure broader reach and heightened impact, and will continue its extensive rollout across various schools, ensuring a lasting imprint on the consciousness of young children and fostering a culture of responsible road use from the grassroots level.

Furthermore, in a bid to provide a holistic and engaging experience, the initiative incorporates excursions, career day events, interactive road safety games, essay competitions and dedicated outreach programmes for school catering to students with special needs.

This transformative advocacy campaign will continue its extensive rollout across various schools, leaving and indelible impact on young children and fostering a sustainable culture of responsible road use at the grassroots level.

Through this advocacy drive, LASTMA officials systematically engage secondary school students across Lagos State’s six educational districts, equipping them with crucial knowledge of traffic signs, regulations and safety protocols on every Wednesdays of the week.

Reiterating the programme’s significance, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, underscored that embedding traffic consciousness in young minds is pivotal to nurturing a disciplined and law-abiding society.

He emphasized that early exposure to road safety tenets not only enhances pedestrian and commuter safety but also fosters a generation of responsible road users—whether as future drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.

According to him, “the revitalization of Operation Catch Them Young is in alignment with the state government’s commitment to a safer, more orderly, and seamlessly structured transportation system.

“By empowering students with critical traffic knowledge, Lagos State is proactively shaping a future where adherence to road regulations becomes instinctive among its citizens.”