Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has described the state’s persistent traffic congestion as a lifestyle for Lagos residents. He made the remarks at PODFEST Naija, where he reflected on how traffic and other features of life in Lagos have influenced the city’s identity and creative industry. Hamzat spoke on Friday, and a video of his remarks was shared by News Central on Saturday.
Hamzat noted that the story of Lagos was often told by other people, in headlines about traffic, crowds, and chaos. He acknowledged that some of those stories are not entirely wrong. However, he offered a different perspective on the issue, saying that Lagos traffic is not a problem, but a lifestyle. He cited the example of crossing Third Mainland Bridge at 6 p.m., a time when traffic congestion is usually at its peak.
The deputy governor connected the city’s traffic culture with the growth of its entertainment industry, noting that many residents use the time spent on the roads to consume creative content. He observed that the time spent in traffic allows people to engage with various forms of entertainment, such as movies and music. This, he said, has made traffic a patron of the creative industry.
Hamzat urged members of the creative industry to view the city’s traffic experience from a different perspective. He encouraged them to celebrate traffic, saying that it is an integral part of what makes Lagos unique. According to him, the city’s traffic experience has become an essential part of its identity.
The deputy governor’s comments on traffic have sparked a new conversation about the issue in Lagos. While some people may view traffic congestion as a major problem, others see it as an opportunity for creative expression and engagement. Hamzat’s remarks have highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
Hamzat’s speech at PODFEST Naija was well-received by attendees, who appreciated his unique perspective on the city’s traffic culture. The event provided a platform for him to engage with members of the creative industry and share his vision for the future of Lagos. As the governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Hamzat’s comments on traffic are likely to resonate with voters.
The Lagos State government has been working to address the issue of traffic congestion in the city. However, Hamzat’s comments suggest that the issue is more complex than just a matter of infrastructure development. He emphasized the need for a cultural shift in the way people view traffic, encouraging them to see it as an opportunity rather than a problem.
Key points
- Obafemi Hamzat says Lagos traffic is a lifestyle for residents, not just a transportation problem.
