The Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has launched an innovative transportation initiative dubbed “Gbaja Ride” in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, in a significant move to bolster educational access and reduce transportation burdens on families.
The program, unveiled on Saturday during a well-attended ceremony, will provide free transportation for primary and secondary school students to and from school, while also extending special services to elderly residents aged 65 and above within the council area.
During the launch event, 33 mini and medium buses were unveiled as the operational fleet for the program. Gbajabiamila, who previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This free ride for students could make the difference between succeeding and failing in school, just as it could provide the necessary support to save a sick patient from dying,” Gbajabiamila stated during his address.
The Chief of Staff explained that the program has been designed with a dual purpose: primarily to serve students during school commuting hours, but also to provide discounted transportation for all Surulere residents during off-peak school hours. When buses are not transporting students to and from school, they will operate commercially at a 25 percent discounted fare for all residents.
Beyond the immediate transportation benefits, the Gbaja Ride scheme has created direct employment for 100 people, contributing to local job creation. Gbajabiamila highlighted the economic significance of the initiative, noting that “transportation is a key factor in any economy” and that “no economy can thrive without a good transportation system.”
The program has been structured to eventually become self-sustaining. Gbajabiamila committed to personally covering the costs of staff salaries, vehicle fueling, insurance, and repairs for the first three months, after which the scheme is expected to maintain operations independently.
Priority access to the buses will be given to elderly residents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and women with children, reflecting the program’s focus on social inclusion.
According to Kayode Opeifa, the Project Advisor, the initiative will provide substantial financial relief to families. Beneficiaries are expected to save approximately ₦20,000 monthly on transportation costs, amounting to ₦240,000 annually per family. This calculation particularly benefits parents with children attending any of the 80 public schools within Surulere.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, praised the program for its potential to combat “learning poverty” by improving school attendance and punctuality.
“This will reduce parents’ financial burden on transport costs for their pupils,” the Commissioner remarked, underscoring the educational significance of reliable transportation for students.
The program will operate using dedicated Cowry Cards, implemented in partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). Engr. (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of LAMATA, represented by Dr. Olukemi Amure, expressed the agency’s enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it aligns with LAMATA’s mission to provide “safe, efficient, and dignified mobility in Surulere.”
The Chairman of Surulere Local Council, Hon. Sulaimon Bamidele-Yussuf, commended Gbajabiamila’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of Surulere residents, noting that the Chief of Staff has continued to implement impactful programs despite his transition from being the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“A lot has been done and is still being done. When he left as Speaker, we thought it was the end, but with the various projects and programmes, it feels like he has just begun. In 2027, what we pray for will come to reality,” Bamidele-Yussuf remarked, alluding to future political aspirations.
Hon. Fuad Laguda, the House of Representatives member for Surulere 1, joined in praising the initiative, expressing that residents and businesses within Surulere “cannot stop appreciating Hon. Gbajabiamila for his contributions and ongoing efforts.”
The Chairman of the Gbaja Ride Committee, Sheriff Balogun, described the program as “another milestone for the people of Surulere and Lagos at large,” while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting Gbajabiamila’s initiatives.
Kayode Opeifa further characterized the scheme as “unique to Surulere and a model for others to adopt,” suggesting it represents “a legacy for politicians to emulate” in addressing transportation challenges while supporting education and community welfare.
As the program rolls out across Surulere, it stands as a potential blueprint for similar initiatives in other local government areas, combining educational support, economic relief, and community service in a comprehensive transportation solution.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
