Lagos traffic not a problem, it’s lifestyle’ – Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has asserted that the city's notorious traffic congestion is an integral part of life in Lagos, rather than a mere transportation issue. Speaking at the PODFEST Naija event, Hamzat highlighted how traffic and other aspects of Lagos life have shaped the city's identity and creative industry.

Addressing the longstanding issue of traffic, Hamzat pointed out that while it is a common perception that the traffic is a problem, he contends that it is merely a way of life for residents. He emphasized that anyone who has experienced the rush hour at the Third Mainland Bridge knows that the traffic is not a problem; it is simply a characteristic of Lagos.

Furthermore, Hamzat drew a connection between the city's traffic culture and the growth of its entertainment industry. He noted that many residents in Lagos use their time spent on the roads to consume creative content, suggesting that traffic has inadvertently become a catalyst for the city's creative scene. "I suspect that many of us in this room produce things that are consumed episode by episode between Ojota and Obalende. In a way, traffic has been the patron of your industry," he remarked.

In light of this unique relationship between traffic and the creative industry, Hamzat encouraged the members of the creative community to adopt a different perspective on Lagos traffic. He urged them to celebrate the city's traffic experience, as he believes it is a defining characteristic of Lagos. "So, you must celebrate traffic, that's why we're Lagos," he stated.