Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has been officially inducted as a Special Marshal of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The induction ceremony took place on Thursday at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the actor's public service engagement.
Induction Ceremony Details
The event was attended by senior LASTMA officials, including the agency's Corps Marshal, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who administered the oath of office. Quadri was decorated with the Special Marshal insignia and presented with an official identification card. According to Bakare-Oki, the actor's appointment is part of LASTMA's strategy to engage influential community leaders in promoting traffic discipline and safety across Lagos State.
“We are delighted to have a personality of Yinka Quadri's caliber join our Special Marshal scheme. His influence and reach will help us in sensitizing the public on traffic rules and reducing road accidents,” Bakare-Oki stated during the ceremony.
Quadri's Response and Commitment
In his acceptance speech, Yinka Quadri expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to use his platform to advocate for responsible driving. He noted that traffic indiscipline remains a major challenge in Lagos and called on motorists to obey traffic regulations. “I am honored to serve as a Special Marshal. This is an opportunity to give back to the society that has supported my career. I urge all road users to be patient and follow traffic laws to ensure safety for everyone,” Quadri said.
The actor, known for his roles in numerous Nollywood films, also highlighted the importance of collaboration between celebrities and government agencies in addressing social issues. He promised to leverage his fan base to spread road safety messages across the state.
Role of Special Marshals in LASTMA
LASTMA's Special Marshal scheme is a voluntary program that enlists respected individuals from various sectors to assist in traffic management and public enlightenment. Special Marshals are not paid but are empowered to report traffic violations and educate motorists. The initiative aims to complement the efforts of regular LASTMA officers and foster a culture of compliance among road users.
Since its inception, the scheme has inducted several prominent Nigerians, including religious leaders, business executives, and entertainers. Yinka Quadri joins a growing list of celebrities who have taken up the role, reflecting a trend of public figures contributing to civic responsibilities.
Impact on Road Safety Campaigns
LASTMA officials believe that Quadri's involvement will boost the agency's public awareness campaigns, especially among young motorists who are fans of his movies. The agency plans to collaborate with him on radio jingles, social media campaigns, and community outreach programs. According to LASTMA statistics, road traffic accidents in Lagos have decreased by 15% over the past year due to intensified enforcement and education efforts. The inclusion of Special Marshals like Quadri is expected to accelerate this positive trend.
Quadri's induction also comes at a time when Lagos State is grappling with increasing traffic congestion and road safety challenges. The state government has been implementing various measures, including the deployment of technology and community policing, to improve traffic flow and reduce fatalities.
