Anthonia Duru
Lagos Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, has said that the introduction of Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) has provided a well-structured transport system that will not only help to unlock traffic gridlocks across the metropolis, but will also meet the transport needs of a rapidly growing population of Lagos.
Oladeinde stated this at the opening session of 3 days strategic Management Retreat organised for the Staff of Lagos Bus Services Limited in conjuction with Alan & Grant who facilitated the retreat.
Oladeinde who spoke through Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu disposed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working to invest in public transport reform through the implementation of transport policies that will bring significant improvement to the lives of the citizenry.
The reforms according to him encompasses all modes of transportation including; rail, water and road with the aim of saving commuters travel time, reduce traffic induced stresses and promote socio economic activities of the state for greater economic prosperity.
Dr. Oladeinde underscoring the appropriateness of the theme of the Retreat: “Dare to Be Different”, charged the management of LBSL that in ‘’making Lagos State the 21st century economic hub of Africa, there is need for an integrated transport system that will attract both local and foreign investors.
The Commissioner added that in order to achieve the vision of a Greater Lagos, officials of LBSL have integral roles to play in assuring the public that there will be quick returns on their investment in the State through a swift, safe and secured transportation on Lagos roads.
In his words, “In order to achieve the above, this retreat provided an opportunity to review LBSL`s performances over the years, analyse challenges and contribute meaningfully to experts` discussion on how to scale up operations to bring significant improvement to public transportation.
” Our staff must also develop business strategies that will promote LBSL operations and make services more customer friendly and attractive in such a way that there will be room for expansion and growth to justify government`s huge investment in public transportation in our dear State.”
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Idowu Oguntona in his speech, revealed that the objectives of the retreat is to reposition the company for sustainable growth and profitability.
He assured Lagosians that LBSL will continue to be deliberate on how to move towards achieving its mission as a company set up to provide smart and sustainable bus transportation solutions to meet the need of a modern city.
This according to the Managing Director would be achieved by optimizing the utilization of the buses, save cost, be efficient and think of initiatives that will put the company in a very positive light in the development agenda of the State Government on efficient traffic management and transportation in an emerging smart city.
Oguntona implored the entire workforce to keep up with the momentum of relentless effort to gear the company for growth, adding that the company will be able to deliver on all its programmes, plans and developmental agenda set for 2020.
The Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer expressed appreciation to Mr. Governor; Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the confidence he reposed in the ability of the company to change the transport narrative of the state and for the huge commitment in terms of investment in Lagos Bus Services Limited.
He, however encouraged Lagosians to imbibe the culture of using public bus transit to eliminate unnecessary traffic gridlock on roads, reduce stress and cost of maintaining their vehicles.
