Lagos State’s transportation sector is set for a major transformation as Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, publisher of the prominent online newspaper August24news.com, announces an ambitious award program designed to recognize and reward exemplary conduct among commercial bus drivers and conductors in the state.
The innovative “Best Driver and Best Conductor of The Year Awards” competition, scheduled to commence in January 2026 and conclude in December 2026, represents a pioneering effort to sanitize Lagos State’s transportation system while projecting a positive image of the profession.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Ajagbe outlined the compelling motivation behind this groundbreaking initiative. “I have witnessed a situation where drivers and conductors beat passengers because of a mere 10 naira change during argument,” he revealed, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the sector.
The publisher’s personal experiences paint a stark picture of the challenges facing Lagos commuters. “I have witnessed where drivers and conductors abused and insulted passengers which led to trauma. I have seen where a passenger was stranded, trekked home and even begged for transport fares simply because a wicked conductor took his change away,” Ajagbe recounted.
However, the initiative also recognizes the positive elements within the profession. “On numerous occasions, I had seen situations where conductors and drivers returned lost phones, gadgets, loads and even bags of money to their passengers,” he acknowledged, emphasizing that “the good ones are still living and must also be recognized and rewarded.”
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
The award program establishes rigorous standards for participants, focusing on multiple aspects of professional conduct, character and Professionalism, good character and dress sense, excellent communication skills, professional passenger relations, punctuality and reliability, Operational Excellence and superior driving skill
Other criteria are reasonable fare charging, adherence to designated bus stops and proper vehicle maintenance standards.
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The program offers an unprecedented package of rewards that could transform winners’ lives entirely. The comprehensive prize package includes brand new commercial bus, brand new private car, a duplex residential property while financial rewards are Twenty-four-million-naira cash prize, free 20 litres of fuel daily for one month, brand ambassador contract opportunities and automatic employment for two children in Lagos State
The award program employs a multi-faceted evaluation system designed to ensure transparency and public participation
This comprehensive approach ensures that all segments of Lagos society can participate in recognizing excellence in public transportation.
The program requires a substantial investment of one billion naira (₦1,000,000,000), reflecting the scale and ambition of the initiative. Ajagbe has reached out to multiple stakeholders for support including partnerships with Lagos State Government, various local councils, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Corporate bodies and sponsors
Interested parties can contact the organization at August24online.com@gmail.com for sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
The initiative has already garnered significant professional support. Former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), praised the program as “a laudable project that will add honour to the work of the commercial bus drivers and conductors in Lagos State,” while appealing to potential sponsors to provide full support.
Ajagbe identified a critical oversight in the current transportation management system. “There is no agency that monitors their activities in the state,” he noted, suggesting that existing organizations like NURTW and local governments primarily function as “levies collectors” rather than professional development agencies.
The initiative addresses the transportation needs of Lagos State’s massive population. “90 percent of Lagosian ply public buses on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis,” Ajagbe observed, emphasizing that virtually every resident has experienced interactions with drivers and conductors.
This widespread exposure means the program could significantly impact public perception and experience of transportation services across the state.
Beyond the immediate awards, the program aims to establish lasting change in Lagos transportation culture. “We want to set an agenda for them, we want to change the narrative, we want to change the public orientation that public bus drivers and conductors are respected people and not bad people as people see them,” Ajagbe explained.
The initiative represents a comprehensive approach to professional development, public safety, and community building within Lagos State’s crucial transportation sector.
Following the inaugural 2026 edition, the competition will become an annual tradition, ensuring sustained focus on professional excellence and continuous improvement in service delivery standards.
The “Best Driver and Best Conductor of The Year Awards” represents more than recognition—it’s a bold vision for transforming one of Lagos State’s most visible and essential professional sectors while improving the daily experience of millions of commuters across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
This groundbreaking initiative promises to reshape Lagos transportation culture while providing life-changing opportunities for resolute professionals who serve the public with distinction.
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