Lagos Students, Elderly to Ride Free as Gbajabiamila Launches Transit Scheme

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has launched a new free transport initiative—GbajaRide—targeted at students and senior citizens in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The scheme, which officially kicked off on Saturday, unveiled 33 brand-new mini and medium-sized buses to facilitate free transportation for primary and secondary school students, as well as elderly residents aged 65 and above. The launch event was held in Surulere, where Gbajabiamila reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots service and community development.

Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila described the transport initiative as a direct response to the transportation challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the community. “The purpose of government is to create an environment where people can pursue and achieve their God-given potential,” he said, linking the scheme to the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The GbajaRide initiative features 13 units of 32-seater buses and 20 units of 18-seater King Long buses, all donated by Gbajabiamila. In collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the scheme also offers discounted rides—25% lower than regular fares—for other Surulere residents on designated routes.

Gbajabiamila emphasized the economic impact of affordable transport, noting that many thriving nations prioritize efficient mobility. “No economy can prosper without a reliable transportation system,” he said, adding that this intervention mirrors the government’s post-subsidy efforts to ease financial burdens.

As part of his personal contribution, Gbajabiamila revealed he has covered salaries for 100 transport scheme staff and will fund operational costs—including insurance and fuel—for the next three months.

Project Advisor and NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the scheme as a poverty alleviation strategy, estimating that beneficiaries could save up to ₦20,000 monthly. Also speaking, Dr. Olukemi Amure, representing LAMATA MD Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, praised the scheme and reaffirmed the agency’s support.

The launch drew dignitaries including APC Lagos Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi (represented by Deputy Chairman Moshood Mayeigun), traditional rulers, and political figures. The event culminated in the official commissioning of the buses.