Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has described the state’s persistent traffic congestion as a “lifestyle” that has become part of the identity of the megacity.
Hamzat made the remarks on Saturday at Podfest Naija, a gathering of storytellers and creative professionals, where he spoke about the influence of Lagos’ traffic, population and fast-paced environment on the creative industry.
The deputy governor said the long hours residents spend in traffic had unintentionally created an audience for podcasters and other digital content creators.
“Anyone who has crossed Third Mainland Bridge at 6pm knows that Lagos traffic is not the problem, it is just a lifestyle,” Hamzat said.
He noted that many Lagos residents consume podcasts and other digital content while commuting between different parts of the city.
“In fact, I suspect that many of us in this room, we produce things that are consumed, episode by episode, between Ojota and Obalende.
“So in a way, traffic has been a patron of your industry. So you must celebrate traffic. That’s why we are Lagos.”
Hamzat said the distinctive character of Lagos had continued to inspire artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and other creative professionals over the years.
He also observed that stories about Lagos, which were once largely told by people outside the city, were now increasingly being produced by Lagos-based creatives.
“Lagos is now telling its own story and the people telling it in a very serious way are in this room,” he said.
“The podcasters, the filmmakers, the musician, writer, designers, developers and entrepreneurs who have turned Lagos microphone into a global broadcast.”
Hamzat urges creatives to build sustainable businesses
The deputy governor advised creative professionals to focus on developing sustainable business models, stressing that having a large audience does not automatically translate into financial success.
According to him, the Lagos State Government is supporting the creative and innovation ecosystem by providing funding for ideas and research projects.
“So we’re funding ideas, not just applauding them. Lagos is supporting nothing less than 90 research and development projects,” he said.
“Gone are the years of great ideas and no funding.
“A podcast with a million listeners and no business model is just a hobby with good microphone.”
Hamzat also highlighted the importance of safety and freedom in encouraging creativity.
He said people needed to feel secure before they could freely express themselves, create content and tell their stories.
“Creativity flourishes best when people feel safe,” he said.
“For us in Lagos, safety and liberty guarantees remain a matter of right.”
Hamzat, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State for the 2027 general election, also claimed that Lagos is currently the safest state in Nigeria.
He said maintaining security in the state requires significant resources because insecurity could affect the ability of residents and creatives to work freely.
“Lagos is today the safest state in our country and it comes at ridiculous cost because if we’re not safe then we can’t even tell stories,” he said.
Deputy governor stresses importance of culture
Hamzat further called on Nigerians to reconnect with their cultural heritage, saying cultural identity remains important to the country’s development.
He argued that Africans must preserve and understand their culture if they are to achieve meaningful progress.
“One of the challenges for us as Africans, as black people, is that we have forgotten our culture,” he said.
“The truth is, we will not prosper — it’s not a curse — if we don’t deal with our culture.”
His comments came as Lagos continues to deal with its long-standing traffic challenges while also expanding its creative and technology sectors.
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