LASTMA Trains Senior Officers on Mental Well-Being, Trauma Care

LASTMA Trains Senior Officers on Mental Well-Being, Trauma Care

In a bid to enhance emotional resilience and service efficiency, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Thursday held an advanced training workshop on Mental Well-Being and Trauma Care for its senior officers.

The one-day session took place at the Agency’s Training Room in Oshodi and was led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki. It featured a keynote lecture by Professor Akindotun Merino, a U.S.-based mental health expert, President of JARS Educational Group, and Founder of the Africa Trauma Care Alliance.

Professor Merino, a respected advocate for mental health awareness, delivered an insightful lecture focusing on trauma response, resilience, and emotional intelligence in high-pressure work environments like traffic management.

Addressing participants during the opening session, Mr. Bakare-Oki highlighted the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to the professional development of LASTMA officers. He emphasized that mental well-being is essential for effective public service, especially in a city as fast-paced and demanding as Lagos.

“This training is part of our continuous effort to equip our personnel with not just technical skills, but also the psychological tools required to remain calm, empathetic, and effective under pressure,” Bakare-Oki said. “The state government remains committed to the capacity-building of traffic officers through regular training, retraining, and the provision of modern operational tools and safety equipment.”

The workshop brought together all senior officers of the agency, including Directors, Comptrollers, Commanders, and Unit Heads, underscoring LASTMA’s strategic focus on wellness-led leadership within its ranks.

According to the agency, more wellness-oriented training programs are expected in the coming months as part of efforts to boost staff productivity and public trust in traffic management operations across the state.

Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA