· Reels Out Station’s Achievements In Its First Decade
The General Manager of Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle has described the 10th Anniversary celebration of the foremost Traffic Radio in Africa as a milestone in the dissemination of traffic reportage and travel advisory to millions of residents in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Speaking on the activities lined up to mark the first decade of the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM with the theme: ‘Celebrating 10 Years of Traffic Reportage-Gaining Momentum for the Future’, Akanle stated that week-long activities have been scheduled to celebrate the Station’s journey so far as well as showcase the zeal and passion of the station to achieve the dreams of its founding fathers.
Akanle gave highlights of the anniversary week slated to hold from Monday 23rd to Sunday, 29th May 2022, saying activities lined up include an Advocacy Walk on Monday 23rd of May, 2022; a Colloquium with the theme: “Integrated Transport System As A Lifeline for Economic Growth” fixed for Thursday, 26th May, 2022 at D’ Podium International Event Centre, Aromire, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the General Manager, the ceremony will bring together top government functionaries, transport experts, industry watchers and Aviation specialists, among other stakeholders, to deliberate on solutions for a viable transportation system in Nigeria.
His words: “The Colloquium has been carefully put together to highlight the outstanding contribution of this noble broadcast outfit to traffic reportage in a decade of its existence. The Special Guest of Honour at the Colloquium is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Honourable Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who was the visioner of the station, will be the Lead Discussant at the event”.
Akanle also disclosed that panelists to speak at the event include a former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Professor Bamidele Badejo; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engineer Abimbola Akinajo; National President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, CILT, and former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Barrister Nfon Usoro; and the Chairman of Air Peace Airline, Mr. Allen Onyeama.
Reeling out the feats achieved by Lagos Traffic Radio, Akanle said Facebook likes by the station’s followers rose from 4,000 in Y2019 to 70,000 in the current year while the followership on Twitter increased from 15,000 in Y2019 to 50,000 in Y2022.
“The terrestrial channel’s listening audience has witnessed a quantum leap from 800,000 in previous years to about two million people at the present time”, he said.
The General Manager explained that 96.1FM’s online platforms have been deliberately invigorated just as Mobile Apps have been deployed on its official website to upscale regular interactions with the listening public.
Pointing out that the weeklong felicitation was carefully designed to reflect the decade-long adventure through a terrain never explored by any media organisation in the annals of Nigerian history, Akanle said the occasion would also provide a chance to project on opportunities that lie ahead for Lagos Traffic Radio in resolving issues around chaotic transportation, safety and security.
He acknowledged the support of stakeholders such as Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), TRACE Monitors in Ogun State, and motorists who also supply traffic information using the eyewitness report strategy.
Akanle spoke further saying, “the Station also explored new vistas of opportunities in a bid to expand the horizon for her teeming followers by giving Live Reports from the Waterways to encourage Lagos residents to embrace Water Transportation to further decongest the roads”.
He observed that the extended coverage of the traffic situation to Badagry, Ogun State and Ibadan has enhanced the quality service provided by Traffic Radio to its teeming audience.
“All these innovations are strategic moves aimed at fulfilling its mandate of effective traffic reportage, travel advisory to Lagosians and, by implication, contributing to the first pillar of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, which is Traffic and transportation”, the General Manager said.
The week will be rounded off with a Gala and Award Night with the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Special Guest of Honour.
