Ajagbe Unveils “Best Driver & Conductor of the Year” Awards in Lagos.
Ajagbe Unveils “Best Driver & Conductor of the Year” Awards in Lagos.
Lucky Akra
In a bold move to rebrand the image of Lagos’ commercial transportation sector, the publisher of August24news.com, Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, has officially announced the launch of the “Best Driver and Best Conductor of the Year” Awards. The initiative aims to reward professionalism, good conduct, and safety consciousness among commercial bus operators in Lagos State.
Set to commence in January 2026 and run through December, the competition will become an annual fixture, recognizing exceptional service among the thousands of drivers and conductors who ply Lagos roads daily.
Raising Standards in Lagos Transport Sector
Ajagbe, a seasoned journalist and media entrepreneur, said the awards were conceived to encourage a shift in attitude among public transport workers and offer role models for the industry. According to him, while many Lagos drivers and conductors are often criticized for poor behavior, there are still exemplary individuals whose good deeds deserve recognition.
“We want to reward the good ones so that others can emulate them. This is about rebranding the profession and changing public perception,” Ajagbe said during a press conference in Lagos.
Criteria for Selection
The awardees will be determined through a combination of public commendations, passenger feedback, online voting, and other assessment tools. Key performance indicators include:
Good character and dress sense
Safe driving and customer-friendly service
Reasonable transport fares
Proper handling of the Nigerian currency
Avoidance of illegal stops and bribery
No smoking or drinking on duty
Offering help to passengers in need
Bus maintenance and roadworthiness
Ajagbe emphasized that both drivers and conductors must uphold high ethical and safety standards, refrain from violence, and demonstrate a willingness to support commuters beyond their duties.
Life-Changing Prizes Await Winners
The awards come with an impressive list of prizes. Each winner—both the best driver and best conductor—will receive:
A brand new commercial bus
A private car
A duplex apartment
₦24 million in cash
20 liters of fuel daily for a month
Brand ambassador and driving contracts
24 sets of designer clothing (native and English)
24 new tires
An award plaque and commendation letter from the Lagos State Government
A tour of 10 iconic places in Lagos
Courtesy visits to 10 state dignitaries
Employment opportunities for two of their children
A grand gala night celebration
Public Participation & Voting
All registered commercial drivers and conductors operating under recognized unions and garages in Lagos are eligible to participate. Members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for nominees based on their personal experiences, either via SMS, hardcopy forms, or online platforms.
Ajagbe believes Lagosians—many of whom rely on public transport daily—will actively support the initiative by sharing their experiences and casting their votes.
Call for Sponsorship
A projected budget of ₦1 billion has been set aside for the maiden edition, and Ajagbe has called on the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Transportation, corporate sponsors, and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative. He can be contacted via august24online.com@gmail.com for sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
“This is not just an award; it’s a movement,” Ajagbe said. “We are setting an agenda for public transport in Lagos. We want drivers and conductors to become respected professionals. With support, we can transform this sector.”
Support from Industry Leaders
Reacting to the announcement, former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), hailed the initiative as a “laudable project” that will bring dignity and honor to the roles of commercial transport workers in the state. He urged sponsors and stakeholders to back the idea fully.
As preparations begin for the 2026 debut, stakeholders across Lagos’ transport sector will be watching closely to see whether the initiative can indeed drive the transformation it promises.
