‘Lagos Traffic Is Not the Problem, It’s a Lifestyle’ — APC Governorship Candidate Hamzat Says
Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has described the city’s perennial traffic congestion as a “lifestyle”, saying the experience has also contributed to the growth of Lagos’ creative industry.
Hamzat made the remarks on Friday while speaking at PODFEST Naija, a gathering of podcasters, storytellers and other creatives in Lagos.
Reflecting on the city’s traffic, crowds and fast-paced environment, Hamzat said the experiences had become part of Lagos’ identity and had also created an audience for 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 said many Lagos residents consume podcasts, music and other forms of entertainment while commuting through some of the city’s busiest routes.
“In fact, I suspect that many of us in this room, we produce things that are consumed, episode by episode, between Ojota and Obalende,” he said.
“So in a way, traffic has been a patron of your industry. So you must celebrate traffic. That’s why we are Lagos.”
Hamzat also said Lagos’ distinctive character had provided inspiration for artists, writers, filmmakers and other creatives.
He noted that the city was increasingly telling its own story through its creative community, including podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers and entrepreneurs.
The deputy governor also urged creatives to develop sustainable business models, arguing that having a large audience does not automatically translate into a viable business.
“A podcast with a million listeners and no business model is just a hobby with good microphone,” he said.
Hamzat said the Lagos State Government was supporting ideas and research within the creative and innovation ecosystem, claiming that the state was funding at least 90 research and development projects.
“Gone are the years of great ideas and no funding,” he said.
He also linked safety and liberty to creativity, saying people are more able to create and tell stories when they feel secure.
Hamzat said Lagos was currently the safest state in Nigeria, adding that maintaining security comes at a significant cost. That statement was presented as his assessment during the event.
“Creativity flourishes best when people feel safe,” he said.
“For us in Lagos, safety and liberty guarantees remain a matter of right.”
The APC governorship candidate also urged Nigerians to reconnect with their cultural identity, arguing that culture remains important to the country’s development.
“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.”
Hamzat’s comments come as he prepares for the 2027 Lagos governorship election, where he will represent the APC alongside deputy governorship candidate Damilola Sonayon-James.
