Lagos State, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has launched the GbajaRide initiative. This community transportation scheme aims to provide affordable and accessible transport options, particularly in light of recent challenges such as the naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity.
The launch event, held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, introduced a fleet of 35 buses, comprising 15 medium-sized buses with a 26+1 seating capacity and 20 air conditioned 18 seater buses. These vehicles are expected to serve approximately 5,000 residents and 2,000 students daily, offering discounted fares to the general public. Notably, the service will provide free rides to secondary school students, teachers, and residents aged 70 and above from designated bus stops within Surulere.
Originally launched in June 2018 during Gbajabiamila’s tenure as House Leader in the 8th Assembly, the GbajaRide initiative began with 30 new buses, 160 motorcycles, and 25 tricycles. The program was designed to empower local youths and ease transportation within the constituency. The current phase has been restructured under a formal management system in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Park and Garage Administrators, ensuring adherence to the operational standards set by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Addressing attendees at the relaunch, Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of the initiative in mitigating the hardships caused by recent economic policies. He stated, “GbajaRide is part of the relief designed to provide transportation service for the people of Surulere at a discounted rate.” He also highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Lagos State Government to roll out plans aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by Lagosians during this period.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Rep. Jimi Benson; APC Lagos State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi; Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa; and traditional rulers such as the Oniba of Iba, Oba Suleiman Raji, and the Onikate of Ikate-Surulere, Oba Lateef Adams.
