By Faith Obams, JKNewsMedia Intern
EFFORTS TO sanitise Lagos State’s transport system received a new push as frontline journalist and publisher of August24news.com, Mr Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, unveiled a competition to honour outstanding commercial bus drivers and conductors.
The initiative, designed to reward excellence and discourage misconduct, is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and conclude in December 2026, with plans to make it an annual event.
According to Ajagbe, the awards will identify the Best Driver and Best Conductor in Lagos through commuters’ commendations, scorecards, online voting, public opinion, and other relevant methods.
He said the purpose was to recognise professionalism among transport workers and encourage others to emulate good conduct.
At a press briefing in Lagos, Ajagbe explained the qualities expected of participants before they could qualify for recognition.
He emphasised that drivers and conductors must display good character, decent dress sense, and effective communication skills while charging passengers reasonable fares.
He stressed that they must avoid stopping at undesignated bus stops, handle the naira with care, and refrain from bribing traffic officials.
Ajagbe further stated that drivers and conductors must welcome passengers courteously, desist from rough handling, and abstain from drinking or smoking while on duty.
He said they should assist stranded passengers, refrain from quarrels over incomplete fares, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
He added that drivers should avoid phone calls while driving, sit properly in their seats, and follow approved routes for picking passengers.
On the rewards, Ajagbe disclosed that the eventual winners would receive substantial benefits including a brand-new bus, a private car, a duplex, daily free fuel for one month, N24million cash, and a brand ambassador contract.
Additional rewards include automatic employment for two children of the winner in Lagos State, designer outfits, new tyres, a tour of notable places in Lagos, courtesy visits to dignitaries, an award plaque, and recognition from the Lagos State Government.
Ajagbe noted that the Best Conductor would also receive the same package as the Best Driver.
Explaining the motivation behind the project, Ajagbe recounted several negative experiences he had witnessed involving bus drivers and conductors, including disputes over fares, passenger mistreatment, and misconduct that often left commuters stranded. He, however, acknowledged that some drivers and conductors had demonstrated honesty by returning lost items and valuables, saying they deserved public recognition.
He said: “We want to put them on the watch, set an agenda for them, reward the best among them, eradicate the bad ones, and encourage others so that they can be emulated.”
Ajagbe stressed that unlike the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and local councils that focus on levies, his project was tailored to ensure accountability to passengers.
Ajagbe added that all commercial bus drivers and conductors in Lagos were eligible to participate at no cost, provided they were registered members of their respective unions and garages.
He explained that winners would be chosen through both online and offline voting channels, including text messages and physical forms distributed to commuters.
He emphasised that the project sought to change public perception of bus drivers and conductors, noting that many Lagosians depended on them for daily mobility.
He called on government agencies, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative.
According to him, the project was valued at one billion naira, with sponsorship opportunities available.
Ajagbe said his team would work with the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Transportation, NURTW, local government branches, and relevant associations to ensure effective implementation.
He stressed that the competition would promote responsibility, reduce accidents, and improve the public transport experience across the state.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), who commented on the initiative, described it as a laudable project capable of restoring honour to the work of drivers and conductors.
He appealed to sponsors and stakeholders to give it full support.
