By Moses Akaigwe
The management and staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation have been enjoined to give their full support to the implementation of the THEMES (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment) development agenda on transportation.
The appeal was made recently by the newly appointed Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who stressed that the support of every member of staff was crucial to achieving set goals and targets of THEMES.
Giwa spoke during an official ceremony organised by the ministry following his appointment as a successor to the former Special Adviser, Toyin Fayinka, who resigned to pursue his political career and contest in the 2023 elections.
Welcoming the Special Adviser, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, noted that he is on a familiar terrain, having worked closely with the former Special Adviser, Toyin Fayinka. He urged Giwa to bring his wealth of experience to bear.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Kamar Olowoshago, disclosed the new SA was not only enthusiastic, but is also hoped that his tenure would favourably impact on the THEMES agenda as it pertains to the transportation sector.
Congratulating his successor, the former Special Adviser, Fayinka, said the journey in front of him might be tasking, but not insurmountable, assuring him that the rank and file of the ministry would leave no stone unturned to support him.
In response, the Special Adviser expressed his appreciation to the entire ministry for the warm welcome and solicited the support of the management and staff.
He remarked that the support of every member of staff is crucial to achieving set goals and targets.
Sola Giwa has built an active and enviable career in public office in past years working closely with the Lagos State Governor in different capacities. He was appointed Special Assistant to the Governor on Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in 2007.
In that position, he worked with the then Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, in building strong capacity and human resource that ensured the performance of LASTMA as an effective agency.
In 2011, Giwa became the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Babatunde Fahola on Transportation, working with the Commissioner for Transportation and other stakeholders within the government in building a virile transport system in the State.
In 2015, he contested the seat of the Lagos Island Constituency 2, and was elected member of Lagos State House of Assembly 8th Assembly. Before his appointment as Special Adviser, he was a member of the Special Traffic Management and Enforcement Team on Apapa.